Where our water goes
Preventing a water crisis in the United Kingdom
Water covers 70 percent of our planet but less than 2 percent is fresh and accessible. While it’s hard to belive that our famously wet country could ever run out of water, we may face shortages within 25 years. To stop this from happening, National Geographic photographer Charlie Hamilton James finds out where our water goes, and what we can do to save it.
United kingdom
The Environment Agency is warning that the UK could face serious water shortages within the next 25 years. On average we receive 885mm of rain each year, but while parts of the UK seem wet most of the time, areas like East Anglia are actually semi-arid. As our population grows to around 75 million by 2050, and climate change brings hotter, drier summers, our water supply will drop dangerously unless we take positive action. At every level water conservation is crucial: conserving water could save our water future.
Scotland
Scotland
England
England
Wales
Northern Ireland
England
England
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Water in the UK
Video & Article
Water, water…everywhere?
Could the famously wet UK really run low on water? Through a combination of climate change and population growth, it might.
Article
Making the most of our wet weather (while we can)
With predictions of national water shortages within 25 years, how can we prevent ourselves from running out of water?
Gallery
Where our water goes
From the snow covered peaks of Scotland, the sweeping vistas of the lake district, to the iconic River Thames, the UK is rich in water. But how long can it last?
WHERE our WATER GOES
On average, across the UK we use approximately 143 litres of water per person each day. A lot of this water is unnecessarily wasted, which is why it is crucial that we all know where our water goes.
WAYS TO SAVE WATER
Knowing where we waste water can inspire us to take positive action. There are many things that each and every one of us can do to reduce our water consumption and the actions we take as individuals can make a big difference. Collectively we need to reduce our water consumption to reduce the threat of severe water stress.
Modern dual flush toilets use as little as 6 litres per flush or even less
High efficiency shower heads can use as little as 6 litres per minute, saving 20 litres per five-minute shower
An automatic washing machine typically uses 12 litres per kilo of clothes compared to 36 litres per kilo for hand washing
A dishwasher uses just 12 litres per full load, saving 37 litres each time against handwashing in a sink
Taps fitted with flow-controlled aerators can use less than 800ml of water per minute, saving over 8 litres per minute
Installing a drip irrigator uses just 4 litres per hour, saving as much as 996 litres per hour
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