Why saving water also reduces your energy consumption

Water and energy go hand in hand. Every litre that reaches your home requires energy to be extracted, treated, transported and, in many cases, heated.

At home, the biggest energy impact comes from heating water. Showers, taps, washing machines, and dishwashers use domestic hot water (DHW), which consumes electricity or gas. Depending on the type of property and the heating system, this can account for between 15% and 30% of total energy costs.

The relationship is simple: less hot water = less energy = more savings.

Where water goes at home (and where energy goes)

Not all water use in the home has the same impact. Some uses consume far more litres and energy, especially when it involves hot water.

Looking at this breakdown, it is clear that showers and domestic hot water account for a large part of a household's energy consumption.

Showering and bathing (maximum impact)

Reducing shower time or using efficient showerheads significantly lowers water and energy consumption.

Toilets and taps

Although each use consumes less, daily frequency makes the cumulative consumption significant. Aerators and efficient cisterns help to reduce this.

Washing machines and dishwashers 

The key is water temperature. ECO programmes and full loads reduce both water and electricity consumption.

Kitchen and cleaning 

Small habits, such as washing food in a bowl or avoiding leaving the tap running, also help lower daily consumption.

Quick measures that save water and energy

Saving water and energy does not require major changes. With small daily adjustments, you can significantly reduce your DHW consumption.

Cut your shower time by 1–2 minutes 

Slightly shortening your time under the water saves between 5 and 8 litres a minute, and up to 0.5 kWh of energy if you use hot water. Over a year, this can mean thousands of litres and tens of kWh saved.

Moderate temperature (35–38°C)

Maintain your comfort without wasting unnecessary energy. Setting the thermostat to this temperature helps reduce energy consumption without sacrificing a pleasant shower.

Turn off the tap while lathering or brushing your teeth 

Every time you leave the water running while brushing your teeth or lathering up, unnecessary litres are wasted. Turning off the tap is a simple way to save water and energy.

Shower instead of bathing

A full bath can use up to three times more water than a quick shower.

Fix leaks (taps or cisterns)

A dripping tap or a leaking toilet cistern can waste up to 15 litres a day. Fixing them prevents the unnecessary consumption of water and energy.

Efficient showering: where you can save the most 

The shower is one of the areas in the home where it is easiest to save water and energy without losing comfort.

With small changes, an 80-litre shower can be reduced to less than 40 litres.

Water-efficient showerhead or flow restrictor

Reduces water consumption by up to 50% while maintaining adequate pressure. 

Aerators

These mix air with the water to maintain the feeling of high flow while using fewer litres. 

Thermostatic shower

Allows you to reach your desired temperature faster, preventing water waste while adjusting it.

Be smart when waiting for hot water: avoid 'letting it run' 

Avoiding leaving the water running until it heats up can save several litres each time you use it. 

Domestic hot water: water heater, boilers, and adjustments that lower your energy usage 

Domestic hot water (DHW) is one of the largest energy consumers in the home, so small adjustments to your heating system can make a big difference. 

Set the water heater to 50–60°C

This range offers safety, comfort, and efficiency. Higher temperatures increase energy consumption without providing any real benefits. 

Set a timer for your water heater 

Heating water only when needed prevents keeping the tank hot all day. 

Insulate your pipes 

Insulation reduces heat loss between the boiler or water heater and your taps.

Maintain your water heater or boiler 

Limescale build-up reduces system efficiency. Regular servicing helps maintain optimal performance. 

Washing machines and dishwashers: save litres and kWh simultaneously

Optimising how you use these appliances allows you to simultaneously reduce water, energy, and your bills.

Always wash full loads 

This reduces the total number of wash cycles. 

Choose ECO programmes

These programmes use less water and lower temperatures, which reduces energy consumption.

Wash at low temperatures (20–30°C)

Most of a washing machine's electricity consumption goes towards heating the water.

Avoid unnecessary pre-washes 

In most cases, they do not significantly improve the result.

Kitchens and taps: small improvements that add up

The kitchen is another space where small changes can make a difference. With some simple habits, it is possible to reduce water and energy consumption without affecting your daily routine. 

Fill the sink or use a washing-up bowl

When washing food or utensils, it is better to fill the sink or use a washing-up bowl instead of leaving the tap running continuously. This prevents water from running uncontrollably and reduces consumption.

Cook with the lid on and use efficient methods

Boiling food with a lid on the pot or pan reduces cooking times and the energy needed to maintain the temperature.

Install tap aerators 

Aerators mix air with the water to maintain water pressure while reducing flow. They are a simple and affordable solution to lower consumption without losing convenience.

Detect micro-leaks 

Small leaks in taps or pipes can go unnoticed but cause constant water loss. Detecting and fixing them promptly prevents unnecessary consumption over time.

Useful technology in 2026 to save water and energy 

Today's smart home technology makes it much easier to control and optimise water and energy consumption accurately. With simple devices, it is possible to detect leaks, adjust usage, and improve home efficiency.

Leak detectors

These alert you to water loss, preventing unnecessary consumption or potential damage.

Timers and smart taps 

These control usage time and flow, reducing consumption without affecting comfort.

Smart plugs or meters for water heaters

These allow you to schedule when the DHW system operates.

Energy consumption monitoring (to see DHW peaks)

This helps identify when the highest hot water consumption occurs so you can adjust your habits.

How much you can save in 2026 (realistic examples)

Small changes in daily habits can translate into significant water and energy savings over the year, especially when it comes to domestic hot water (DHW). 

The following examples show the approximate impact of some common measures in an average household.

These figures may vary depending on the number of people in the household or the heating system, but they reflect a key idea: saving hot water also means saving energy.

Therefore, when we talk about efficiency at home, it is not just about consuming less water or less energy separately, but understanding how both types of consumption are connected.

Final World Water Day checklist

If you want to start reducing your home's water and energy consumption today, you can follow this list of actions, ordered by cost and impact.

10 quick actions you can take today

1. Cut your shower time by 1 or 2 minutes.
2. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or lathering up. 
3. Use ECO programmes on your washing machine and dishwasher.
4. Prioritise showering over bathing.
5. Cook with lids on pots and pans to reduce time and energy.
6. Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl, not under a running tap.
7. Run your washing machine with a full load whenever possible.
8. Avoid pre-washing if clothes are not heavily soiled.
9. Check taps and toilet cisterns for leaks.
10. Set your water heater temperature between 50 and 60°C.

5 low-cost improvements that multiply your savings

1. Install tap aerators to reduce flow without losing pressure.
2. Switch to a water-efficient showerhead.
3. Use timers or smart plugs to control your electric water heater.
4. Install a thermostatic shower that regulates temperature automatically.
5. Insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.

3 investments that improve home efficiency

1. Replace your water heater or boiler with more efficient equipment.
2. Install energy monitoring systems to detect DHW consumption peaks.
3. Incorporate leak detectors or smart home solutions that monitor water consumption in real time.