I had a water meter fitted earlier this year, it certainly concentrates the mind when it comes to water usage!

In south Manchester we've had rain in varying degrees since the first day of the hosepipe ban. Even prior to that my two 220 litre water butts have been at the very least a third full.

I wait until it rains before I wash my car. That way I don't need to wet the car first and it helps with rinsing the shampoo off after. The car gets washed 4-5 times a year whether it needs it or not. I've been using this regime for a few years now.

I use kitchen 'grey' water on the lawn - just on the really dry patches, it certainly helps. There's not a great deal of water involved as I now try to wash-up only once a day.

JJ