The nights are getting longer and the drop in temperature has us all thinking about wrapping up ready for winter. But while we've started to see some rain this autumn, we still need a lot more for our water resources to recover after the driest spring and summer since 1976. Making just a few small swaps to use a little less water can make a big difference. You'll be helping to make sure there's enough water to go around next year, as well as saving you some money on your water and energy this winter.

Tips to help you use a little less at home and save on your water and energy

• Shower for just one minute less.  It can help you save over 28,000 litres of water and up to £100 in energy and water bills each year. That's the same as 350 full bathtubs!
• Around 12% of our average energy bills are spent on heating water.  By using the eco setting or a lower temperature on your washing machine – you’ll save water and money.
• Waiting for a full load before popping your washing on will save 10 litres per cycle, which quickly adds up! It'll also save you energy, as you'll be running your washing machine less.

Get your garden spring and summer ready over the next few months, and save money too

Catch those raindrops

If you’ve got a bucket or an old bin, you’ve got a DIY waterbutt.  Place a container in your garden to catch those precious raindrops. If you already have a water butt, you can fill your watering can 27 times for free, per butt! Perfect for saving up water for when your garden really needs it in the warmer months to come.

Check your weather app and let the rain do all the work

If we're due some rain, put those watering cans away and let the rain clouds do all of the hard work.  Keeping your garden watered over the autumn and winter. It'll use less water and save you some money at the same time.

Mulch, mulch, mulch

Adding mulch, wood chip or bark to your garden beds allows the rain to penetrate through whilst minimising the amount of water lost due to evaporation.  It also helps to keep weeds out, so you still have lovely neat beds in spring. Weeds also compete with your plants for water and nutrients, so keeping them at bay will help young plants flourish while saving water and money.

Choose your plants wisely

Autumn is the time for planting, so try to plant some low maintenance, drought-tolerant plants/  They’ll look beautiful and won’t need much watering – saving water and money. We’ve picked some of our favourites as inspiration.