Water company says we're using too much water

[AintOverUntilTheCatLadySings]

And I can't work out why/how to use less.

Our water usage went up at the start of lockdown- not surprising as there was now x3 of us at home, it was summer and we were potty training a toddler.

Now our water company are saying we're using too much (we've got a water meter btw and pay for what we use) and sent someone round to talk to us about water conservation.

Thing is… We're quite water conservation conscious in general. Use eco setting on dishwasher, have a wet-room type shower so save shower and bath water in buckets for flushing toilets and watering plants (used the hose maybe 10 times in total this year and that includes filling small paddling pool - water that was also reused).

I even reuse pasta and veg water for watering plants.

Dh and I shower with our toddler so we're not having x3 showers per day or anything. And about 50% of that water is saved in buckets - including the cold water run off at the start.

I use the washing machine about x5 a week.

We don't have a car to wash. No ponds or swimming pool.

They're checking if there's an error but are certain that there's not.

Does anyone have any idea how to save water when you're already doing all the obvious things?

I think maybe you accidentally ticked a box somewhere that agreed to them coming around. To me, it sounds like they are given a script and say the same thing to everyone whether it’s applicable to them or not. If you’ve listened to their talk and feel like you are doing enough, then let it go. Maybe send some feedback to the water company. Don’t give it anymore head space.

@AintOverUntilTheCatLadySings

Thank you- these are all smarter suggestions than us not fill the kettle to the top.

He left us a shower timer and told us to reduce shower times down to 4 minutes, as that was the only thing he could suggest.

Honestly, if someone came to my house and said any of that they would be told to bugger off and shown the door.

Bloody cheek!

Weirdly, my in-laws fill the kettle to the top and then transfer the excess water to a thermos, so they don't have to boil the kettle twice. They then reuse the water for cooking, if there is any left. My in-laws are insanely frugal.