Figures from the Office for National Statistics show 84 per cent of respondents took at least one action to reduce their water use in the past month, with not leaving the tap running the most commonly reported change (64 per cent).
Eight in ten people across Great Britain say they have already changed how they use water. The ONS survey, posted on its official account, found that 84 per cent of respondents reported taking at least one action to cut back on water use in the past month — with not leaving the tap running cited by 64 per cent of respondents, followed by waiting for a full washing machine or dishwasher (55 per cent) and taking shorter showers (40 per cent). Some 36 per cent specifically said they were using less tap water, including hosepipes, in the garden.
Separate government research on hosepipe bans in England adds useful context. Some 60 per cent of people said they would comply with a temporary use ban, and 55 per cent said they would turn off the tap while brushing their teeth — suggesting public willingness to conserve water is broad, even before restrictions are formally introduced.
It’s worth being clear about what these figures do and don’t show. The ONS data are self-reported survey responses, not a direct measurement of litres saved. People may overestimate their own conservation efforts — a well-documented pattern in behaviour surveys.
For Kent households, the practical picture is straightforward. The county sits in one of England’s most water-stressed regions, and during dry periods water companies or local authorities may issue hosepipe bans or broader conservation appeals. Customers on a water meter stand to reduce their bills by cutting use, according to Environment Agency guidance. Checking with your local water supplier during dry spells remains the most reliable way to know what restrictions apply in your area.
Source: @ONS