"When the well is dry, we all know the value of water" - Benjamin Franklin

The Bigger Picture

There is less water available per person in the UK than in Spain or Portugal. The UK has less available water per person than most other European countries but demand for water is growing steadily at a rate of 1% per year.

London is drier than Istanbul, and the South East of England has less water available per person than the Sudan and Syria.

The more water used in our homes, the less is available in rivers, lakes and natural wetlands - threatening wildlife and the environment. For example, when water levels in rivers fall, food sources for birds can be lost, and oxygen levels can fall dangerously low for fish.

Domestic water is also treated before and after use, and heating water accounts for a lot of the energy used in homes, so the more water used, the more energy is needed, contributing to climate change.