How can we not have enough water when it rains all the time?

By Elle Bennett Runton  

Water is something many of us in the UK rarely think twice about. It falls generously from the sky in March and April, and flows effortlessly from our taps, but behind that everyday convenience is a growing challenge. Even though it might feel like it’s always raining, the water isn’t always going where it’s needed or staying around long enough to be beneficial. This is why we face hose-pipe bans in summer and why water scarcity in the UK is an increasing concern. The average person in the UK uses around 140 litres of water every day, far higher than in the 1960s. 

Climate change impact now makes the issue even more complicated. While Sussex has experienced heavier downpours in late winter and spring, we also have longer, hotter, and drier spells in summer. Rain increasingly arrives in intense bursts that runs quickly off hard ground and into drains, rather than soaking slowly into reservoirs and aquifers. At the same time, higher temperatures increase evaporation from soil and water bodies, and then, we use more water to stay cool and keep gardens alive.  

Add to that if we use pesticides and weed killers, they quietly but negatively change the living structure of earth itself. Soil is a living ecosystem made up of micro-organisms, fungi, worms, roots, and organic matter. Healthy soil, has tiny channels and pores that allow rainwater to soak in, move downward, and be stored like a sponge. Using toxic chemicals disturbs this system, meaning the soil’s ability to hold water weakens, making the problem worse. Increasing soil health is one of the most important methods for absorbing and storing water. 

The good news? The most effective solutions start at home. 

From March and April showers:
Spring rainfall is an opportunity. Installing a water butt to collect rainwater from your roof is a simple seasonal action many householders can take. A single water butt can save thousands of litres of mains water over the gardening season. That’s water that doesn’t need to be pumped, cleaned, or heated — saving money and energy. Using harvested rainwater for plants, washing cars, or even outdoor cleaning reduces pressure before summer demand peaks. 

Spring is also the perfect time to check for leaks at home and in the office. A dripping tap can waste over 5,000 litres a year. Fixing it early prevents unnecessary wasted cost and water. 

Heading into summer:
Hot weather drives up water use — longer showers, watering gardens, paddling pools. Indoors, the most impactful change we can make is reducing shower time. Cutting just one minute off your shower can save thousands of litres per year for a family. Swapping to a low-flow shower head is inexpensive and highly effective too. 

Watering gardens wisely. Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Better still, rely on your stored rainwater. Lawns are resilient — letting them go golden during dry spells is natural and far less wasteful than using sprinklers. 

According to the Environment Agency, and WaterWise UK, parts of England could face serious water stress. This isn’t about blame — it’s about shared responsibility. Many households and businesses are already taking steps, and small actions multiplied will make a real difference to us all. 

For more water saving ideas visit: www.sussexgreenliving.org.uk/watersavingtips/