UK government suggests deleting old emails and pictures to help save water
As the UK faces another heatwave, the government has published a list of ways that citizens can help save water and prevent a national drought.
Notably, one of the suggestions is to delete old emails and pictures as data centres require vast amounts of water to cool their systems.
While the release does not explain how much water can be saved, The Verge reports that a small data center has been estimated to use upwards of 25 million liters of water per year if it relies on old-school cooling methods that allow water to evaporate.
Notably, the UK government is actively courting the development of new data centres as part of a push to develop its AI industry.
Other suggestions to save water listed by the government include:
- Install a rain butt to collect rainwater to use in the garden.
- Fix a leaking toilet – leaky loos can waste 200-400 litres a day.
- Use water from the kitchen to water your plants.
- Avoid watering your lawn – brown grass will grow back healthy.
- Turn off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving.
- Take shorter showers.
“The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment,” said the Environment Agency’s Director of Water and NDG Chair Helen Wakeham.
“Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.”
The UK’s National Drought Group met on Monday (11 August) to discuss the current water shortfall situation in England, now defined as a ‘nationally significant’ incident.
Five areas are officially in drought, with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976.
Despite the unsettled weather last month, many river flows and reservoir levels in England continued to recede compared to June.
Rainstorms and showers helped mask the fact that July was still the fifth warmest on record.
August has started to see a return of drier conditions and the fourth heatwave of the summer – putting more pressure on already struggling public water supplies and navigational waterways.
The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts – used the meeting to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking.
