For over a year now the Bint garden has benefited from three water butts. Two in the back, one at the front. I was absolutely amazed at how quickly they fill up, and they service all the plants and our three water features without the need to resort to the taps or hose.
At first it was more to do with planetary conservation than saving money, as we had fixed water rates. Talking of which, everyone was astonished at how expensive our water rates were. So, taking that latter point into account we looked into water meters.
With the water rates system, the cost of your HIJKLMNO (H to O, H20 gettit?) is based on the rateable value of your property, not on the amount of water consumed – so how much you pay won’t relate to how much water you use. If you live on your own, if you have a small family or if you live in a house with a high rateable value, chances are you’re probably paying too much for your water services.
Yep. We were. And believe me, since we had a meter installed recently, it’s really opened the floodgates to saving money.
When the man came to install it we were given tips and hints on how to save water, and even given some handy little devices for slowing the water flow from shower heads. Oh, and an egg-timer. Don’t forget the egg-timer, which is for placing on the shelf in the shower, and woe betide you if the water is still running when the sands aren’t. He actually gave that to my daughter.
I’m now looking at bringing in my own water-saving strategy as well, which I think is extremely sensible: Imposing a five-pence charge for everyone diluting a glass of squash; The budgie’s water pot is only half-filled, and on every other day instead of daily; Our coffee is made with all milk and heated in the microwave (extra saving there on electric, too – no kettle to boil); and I replace all my other water-based drinks with wine and whisky.
Scrooge, drink your heart out!
At first it was more to do with planetary conservation than saving money, as we had fixed water rates. Talking of which, everyone was astonished at how expensive our water rates were. So, taking that latter point into account we looked into water meters.
With the water rates system, the cost of your HIJKLMNO (H to O, H20 gettit?) is based on the rateable value of your property, not on the amount of water consumed – so how much you pay won’t relate to how much water you use. If you live on your own, if you have a small family or if you live in a house with a high rateable value, chances are you’re probably paying too much for your water services.
Yep. We were. And believe me, since we had a meter installed recently, it’s really opened the floodgates to saving money.
When the man came to install it we were given tips and hints on how to save water, and even given some handy little devices for slowing the water flow from shower heads. Oh, and an egg-timer. Don’t forget the egg-timer, which is for placing on the shelf in the shower, and woe betide you if the water is still running when the sands aren’t. He actually gave that to my daughter.
I’m now looking at bringing in my own water-saving strategy as well, which I think is extremely sensible: Imposing a five-pence charge for everyone diluting a glass of squash; The budgie’s water pot is only half-filled, and on every other day instead of daily; Our coffee is made with all milk and heated in the microwave (extra saving there on electric, too – no kettle to boil); and I replace all my other water-based drinks with wine and whisky.
Scrooge, drink your heart out!
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