Local affordable homes

Staying water safe

With summer comes the risk of heatwaves and hosepipe bans. These can also bring a higher risk of legionella bacteria that thrive in the warm water of rarely used taps, water butts and hosepipes. In fact, a recent study showed that 95% of garden water butts harboured the bacteria which is responsible for Legionnaires' disease.

Here are a few tips to reduce the risks and stay water safe:

• Let taps, showers and hoses run until the water cools to remove stagnant water, especially if you’ve been away on holiday.
  
  

• Avoid creating any spray from standing water as this can be inhaled into the lungs. Use a watering can to take water from water butts to minimise spray.
  
  

• Let water run slowly from hosepipes and don't use a spray attachment. Always drain after use and store out of sunlight to prevent bacterial growth.
  
  

• Did you know that compost bags stored in sheds or greenhouses can also breed legionella? Use a mask/gloves to open and use, and wash hands well after use.
  
  

Visit the repairs section of our website for more tips and advice on home safety. And don't miss the article below with tips on how to save money on your water bills.

Fire safety outdoors

With summer days and warm evenings finally on the way, firing up the barbecue is tempting. Here are a few common-sense tips from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire And Rescue on staying safe while enjoying the bangers and burgers!

• Never leave your barbecue unattended
• Never use a barbecue indoors or inside a tent as they produce potentially lethal carbon monoxide
• Always position the barbecue on a level site, away from wooden fencing, sheds, hedges, dry grass and vegetation
• Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies
• Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area

Summer heatwaves are more common and they can lead to very dry conditions, so always take extra care when cooking outdoors.

You can find more handy tips and advice from the fire service via the button below.

Save water - save money!

Saving money on energy bills remains a priority for many households, but with 7 out of 10 homes now connected to a water meter, it's also worth considering ways to use less water to reduce your water bills. In fact, this can also help reduce energy bills as 18% of the average household’s energy is used to heat water!

Making small changes to daily habits could add up to considerable cost savings over a year. Below are just a few tips from Wessex Water to reduce water use in your home. 

• A family of four could save £150 a year if each person spends one minute less in the shower.
• A running tap uses up to 9 litres of water a minute, so turn it off when brushing your teeth, washing, or shaving.
• Around 30% of water used in the home is for flushing the toilet. Only flush when you need to – each saved flush saves 5 litres of water!
• 10% of homes also have a leaking toilet, so check regularly for leaks. A leaking loo can waste 200-400 litres of water daily! Here's how to check.
• A standard washing machine uses around 50 litres per wash, save water and energy by using your machine’s eco setting.
• Instead of filling your kettle all the way to the top or using a saucepan of water, only use the amount you need.

You could also try out Get Water Fit, a water usage calculator, to find out where you could make savings and to claim free water-saving devices for your home. 

If you need extra support due to age, ill health, disability, mental health or a temporary change in your personal situation, take a look at Wessex Water's Priority Services section. The service is also available from Thames Water and Bristol Water.

Click the button below for more water-saving advice. 

Follow us on social media to keep up to date with what's happening