Ditch the hose and Can for the Cam this summer

It’s forecast to be another hot summer. Watering the lawn, cleaning the car, filling up paddling pools… it all adds up to a massive strain on our local water resources.

But did you know that a hose uses up to 1,000 litres an hour? That’s as much as an average adult uses in a whole week. And every single litre is high-quality drinking water, taken from the same groundwater sources that supply Cambridgeshire’s precious chalk streams, including the Cam.

If we all switch our hose for a watering can, we’ll keep millions of litres in local streams and rivers. Which is why Cambridge Water are asking us all to Can for the Cam this summer. Ditch the hose and you’ll not just be saving water, but helping protect habitats and wildlife for generations to come.

And while we’re doing our bit, Cambridge Water will be doing theirs – finding and fixing leaks as quickly as possible.

Protect our precious chalk streams

Chalk streams and rivers are incredibly rare, with only around 260 known around the world – 85 per cent are in south-eastern England, including East Anglia and Cambridgeshire. Rainfall filters through the ground and is stored in chalk aquifers before flowing out into watercourses. Exceptionally clear and rich in minerals, chalk streams support a wide range of animals and plants.

The water that’s piped into your home comes from the same groundwater sources that supply Cambridgeshire’s precious chalk streams and rivers, including the Cam. So if we work together to save water, the planet – including our beautiful local environment – will be all the better for it.

What’s Cambridge Water doing to help?

Saving water isn’t just about ordinary people doing their bit. Cambridge Water is committed to finding and fixing leaks as quickly as possible, and they’ve made it easy to report leaks online. The company has set an ambitious target of reducing leakage by 15 per cent by 2025, and are well on the way to achieving it.

Switch from tap water to rainwater

Did you know that plants prefer soft, natural rainwater? So a water butt not only saves drinking water, but makes your garden happy too. Once it’s hooked up to your chosen downpipe (shed roofs work well), you’ll reap the benefit of plentiful free water - ready and waiting to fill your watering can whenever your garden needs it.

Order free water-saving devices today

Ditching the hose is only the beginning. There are lots of easy ways to save water around your home, and Cambridge Water is here to help. Use their interactive online tool to find out how much water you use every day and order FREE water-saving devices tailored to your home, including plant water-saving gel, LeakyLoo detection strips, tap inserts and more.

Find out more about Can for the Cam here.

And visit Cambridge Water’s home page to find out more, report a leak and claim your free water saving devices.