A Wessex Water scheme to make Mere and Gillingham homes more water efficient has helped to save one million litres. 

Since its launch in September 2016, the Home Check programme has seen customers throughout the Wessex Water region benefit from free water saving devices and advice.  

Nearly 22,000 visits were arranged at customers’ convenience, during which expert technicians fitted the latest gadgets as well as fixing dripping taps, leaky loos and other niggly problems free of charge. 

A staggering 47,428 water saving devices were installed, saving an average of 43.89 litres per day per household and one million litres in total across the Wessex Water region. 

Aimee Shaw, Wessex Water’s head of water resources and behaviour engagement, said: ‘Home Checks give us an excellent opportunity to speak to people about how they use water at home, and often there are very simple solutions to household leaks or faults. 

‘Saving water is in everyone’s interests as it benefits the environment and keeps customers’ bills down if they are on a meter. 

‘One million litres saved is quite an achievement but we’re not stopping there. We’ll be re-starting the Home Check programme in 2020 as we continue to support our customers in their water-saving efforts.’

Home Check began life as a pilot project, covering 5,000 homes. The programme was extended in 2017 with the ambition to complete another 15,000 visits by 2020 – a target which has already been surpassed. 

Areas visited so far are Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil, Mere, Sturminster Newton, Gillingham, Bridport and Chippenham. Water saving devices for the home include efficient shower heads, tap aerators (see photo) and strips that can detect leaks from toilets that are often invisible.    

Like all water companies, Wessex Water has long-term plans in place to make sure there is enough water for homes and businesses and local rivers and wildlife are protected. 

Leakage has halved on its network since the mid-1990s and the company has invested £230 million in a water supply grid, enabling water to be moved around the region to where it’s needed most.