Water butt

Each year the demand for water rises as our standard of living improves. We now use 70% more water than we did 30 years ago and it is estimated that the average person uses 150 litres of water every day. On average a person in the UK uses three times more water per day in their home than someone living in Africa.

Almost 100,000 litres of water falls on the average rooftop every year. Using this instead of treated drinking water is better for your garden, its wildlife and the environment…... so grab yourself a water butt!

They are a quick and easy solution to collecting a good supply of water for plants, so that you don’t waste valuable tap water.

   * You can collect and store rainwater in any watertight receptacle as it falls.
   * Avoid the danger of small animals falling in and drowning by fitting a lid.
   * For maximum impact, connect your water butt to the guttering leading from your roof. Many custom built water butts come with a simple connection kit which takes minutes to install.
   * You can buy wooden or plastic water butts. Some have a tap in the bottom which makes it easy to fill a watering can or possibly fix a hose.
   * If you have a simple barrel design you will need to scoop water from the top. Make a fine mesh lid to prevent debris and small animals falling in the water while allowing the rain to collect. If you don’t put a lid on, put a plank inside to act as a safety ramp.

     (Taken from the BBC website ‘science and nature’ pages.)

If your water supply is provided by ‘Wessex Water’, you can apply for a free water butt trial (for 60 days).