Are You Wasting 55,000 Litres a Year? Cornwall Housebuilders Urge Smarter Water Use

Barratt Homes highlight simple ways to save water – and money – this Water Saving Week

With Water Saving Week running from 12th–16th May, housebuilders Barratt Homes are calling on Cornwall residents to rethink how much water they use – and how much they could save.

Backed by research from Waterwise, the campaign reveals that UK households are using more than 150 litres of water per person per day, adding up to 55,000 litres each year – enough to fill over 600 baths.

New builds cutting down on waste

Barratt Homes, currently building at developments including Pen Bethan in Falmouth and Treledan in Saltash, are shining a spotlight on how their new homes are already making a difference.

Their South West developments include design features like dual-flush toilets, aerated taps and efficient dishwashers, helping homeowners reduce daily water use to around 110 litres per person, compared to the 150-litre average in older homes.

Andrea Pilgrim, sales director for Barratt Homes, said:

“New build homes are designed to meet modern standards of sustainability and water efficiency is a major part of that. Features like dual-flush toilets, aerated taps and efficient dishwashers aren’t just good for the planet, they’re great for your monthly bills too.”

Five easy water-saving tips

To mark Water Saving Week, the housebuilders have also shared their top five tips for saving water at home – whether you’re in a new home or not:

• Cut your shower time – every minute saved = 10 litres less used

• Switch to an eco-wash – many machines use half the water

• Only fill the kettle with what you need – saves both water and energy

• Use rainwater in the garden – a water butt or cooled cooking water works well

• Skip the pre-rinse – dishwashers are made to clean without it

With more than five billion litres of extra water used daily in the UK compared to the 1960s, even small steps at home can help ease the strain on resources.

Andrea added:

“Water Saving Week is a brilliant reminder that we all have a role to play. Whether you’re living in a new build or a period property, these little actions quickly add up. We’re proud to help lead the way with homes that are better for the planet and our buyers.”

Support for buyers across Cornwall

Barratt Homes are currently building high-quality and energy efficient homes across Cornwall, including at Pen Bethan in Falmouth and Treledan in Saltash. Wherever you are in your new home journey, Barratt Homes is here to support you and offers a range of schemes including Part Exchange Guarantee and the Key Worker Deposit Contribution Scheme.