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The amount we use

We must use water wisely

An increasing population means extra demand for water while increasingly erratic weather patterns could lead to more droughts in the future. It is more important than ever for everyone to take care how they use water.

146 litres per person per day
Compared to
126 litres
used in Germany

Source: England and Wales: Water UK, three year average Apr 2020 - Mar 2023; Germany: Eureau, Europe’s Water in Figures, 2021

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Why does the amount we use vary?

We all use water differently – our water use can depend on the number of people living in a house, whether we prefer baths or showers, whether we have a dishwasher and, if we have a garden, whether we use sprinklers hosepipes or a watering can. Some newly built properties have water meters, and tend to have more water efficient devices fitted as standard.

Water use can also vary because of the weather. If there is a hot spell then we may water the garden more frequently or fill up a paddling pool

Daily water usage in litres (per person)

This graph shows the average water usage, in litres, for each company’s customers over the last three years.

      Average daily water usage in litres (per person) over the last three years

      Source: Water UK

      Have companies met their targets?

      All companies have been set targets to reduce the amount we use. These targets are averaged over three years as the weather can affect performance in individual years. The graph shows whether companies have met their targets for the latest three years. If the amount we use has been reduced by more than the target, the company has beaten the target and saved extra water.

          Change in three-year average consumption compared to baseline (%)

          Daily water usage in litres (per person)

          The graph shows daily water usage, in litres, for each company’s customers over the last two years.

              Average daily water usage in litres (per person) over a three year period

              Source: Water UK

              Metered and non-metered consumption

              Less water is used in households with a meter compared to ones without.

              Customers with water meter
              126 litres per person per day

              Source: Water UK; England and Wales, Apr 2022 – Mar 2023
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              On average, customers on water meters use less than those not on a meter as they think more about their water use, as they can save money by saving water.

              The graph shows daily water usage, in litres per person, for each company’s metered customers in the latest year.

                  Source: Water UK

                  Customers without water meter
                  177 litres per person per day

                  Source: Water UK; England and Wales, Apr 2022 – Mar 2023
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                  On average customers on water meters use less than those not on a meter as they think more about their water use as they can save money by saving water.

                  The graph shows daily water usage, in litres per person, for each company’s non-metered customers in the latest year.

                      Source: Water UK

                      Source: Water UK; England and Wales, Apr 2022 – Mar 2023

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                      Click for company comparison Close Panel

                      On average, customers on water meters use less than those not on a meter as they think more about their water use, as they can save money by saving water.

                      The graph shows daily water usage, in litres per person, for each company’s metered customers in the latest year.

                          Source: Water UK

                          On average customers on water meters use less than those not on a meter as they think more about their water use as they can save money by saving water.

                          The graph shows daily water usage, in litres per person, for each company’s non-metered customers in the latest year.

                              Source: Water UK

                              Number of properties connected to public water supply network

                              26,911,085 Household and business properties

                              Source: Water UK; England and Wales, Apr 2022 - Mar 2023

                              Learn how you can help save water

                              See our top tips on conserving water

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