An estimated 45 million people are now in a drought area, while over 27 million people have hosepipe bans in place - but there are ways you can help save water10:03, 11 Aug 2026Updated 10:04, 11 Aug 2026Households across the UK are being urged to use less water following prolonged dry spells and heatwaves.‌There is a fifth heatwave on the way this week and while the advice is to stay well hydrated, other small changes in your water consumption can make a big difference - and save you money.‌It was confirmed this week that almost three-quarters of England are in drought following the driest July in 190 years. An estimated 45 million people are now in a drought area, while over 27 million people have hosepipe bans in place.‌The National Drought Group has warned that all regions of the country are experiencing pressure on their water resources.Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last.”‌Reena Sewraz, Which? money expert, told the Mirror: “A drought doesn’t have to mean spending more money. In fact, for households on a water meter, using less water can directly help to keep bills down.“Simple changes such as taking shorter showers, only running washing machines and dishwashers when they’re full, and fixing dripping taps or leaking toilets can all make a difference.“Fix any leaksDripping taps and leaking pipes can waste thousands of litres of water each year - and push up your bills. For example, Water UK suggests a dripping tap wastes at least 5,500 litres of water a year. Not all leaks are obvious. The most common sign is a damp patch in your home - but you should also be suspicious if your water pressure drops or if your bill is higher than normal, if you're on a water meter.‌Shower vs bathA short shower uses less water than a full bath. The Energy Saving Trust estimates that swapping a bath for a four-minute shower once a week could save you £10 a year. It isn't just water you are saving - you will save energy too, as heating water in the home typically accounts for around 12% of energy bills, according to Smart Energy GB.Dishwasher vs hand washWhich? research has found dishwashers use almost 80% less water on average than washing up by hand - but only if you wait until your machine is full to use it. The consumer magazine says even bigger savings are possible if you switch to eco mode and a dishwasher uses even less water.‌Wait for a full washYou should wait until you have a full load of washing to save water and energy - but do not jam everything in so the machine is at absolute capacity, as your clothes need room to spin. Washing clothes at lower temperatures (30°C or 20°C) and using eco or quick settings will also cut your costs.Water-saving devicesYou can claim free water-saving gadgets through Save Water Save Money. The gadgets include shower heads which help regulate water usage, tap inserts to regulate water flow, and cistern bags, so each flush uses less water.‌Turn the tap offSimple things, such as turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, can make a big difference to your water bill. Other ways to save water without making too big of a difference to your daily routine include shortening your shower time and keeping a jug in the fridge for cold water, instead of running the tap.Reuse water if you canBut only if it is safe to do so. For example, Which? says leftover water from rinsing vegetables can be used on plants. Avoid reusing potentially contaminated water, particularly around edible crops.Don’t use a hosepipeThe places where there are hosepipe bans in place include Greater London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Devon, Cornwall, parts of Essex, Suffolk, and the Thames Valley. This means you risk a £1,000 fine if you are caught using a hosepipe. Switch to a watering can instead to water your plants, or consider investing in a water butt for bigger jobs such as washing your car.Article continues belowLet the lawn go brownIt may not look nice, but Which? says there's no need to spend money constantly watering grass during dry weather. Most lawns will recover when the rain returns. Similarly, if you're thinking about reseeding a lawn, waiting until conditions improve could save money.