Water

Don't be a drip

We take water efficiency seriously, as Norfolk is one of the driest areas of the UK.

Norwich receives the same average annual rainfall as Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and half as much as Sydney, Australia.

Significant amounts of energy and chemicals are used to treat and pump drinking water – which has an environmental impact, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. UEA’s annual water supply and disposal costs in 2023/24 were over £1M. When combined with the unknown potential costs of exposure to climate change risks, there are significant incentives to reduce water waste.

In one year, fewer than 100 dripping taps could fill our Olympic-sized swimming pool.

How do I stop wasting water?

• Don't overfill your kettle when making a hot drink, only boil what you need.

• Use a cup or fill the sink rather than leaving the tap running when you are brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands or face.

• Take shorter showers.

• Wash your clothes only when they are dirty, not just because you have worn them once… but be hygienic!

• Keep cool water in the fridge so that you don't need to run water down the sink to have a cold drink.

• Join the Sustainability Network and be a water efficiency champion!

Please report any leaks or drips to the Estates Helpdesk