Hampshire charities have benefitted from a £6,000 boost, thanks to the efforts of local people to save water in their homes and gardens.

As part of Portsmouth Water’s customer campaign to promote water efficiency, households can earn virtual ‘coins’ for charities in their area by taking simple steps to reduce their water use.

In just three months, the campaign has generated £6,000 worth of ‘coins’ which have been shared with Rowans Hospice, based in Waterlooville, Beacon Food Bank, in Havant, and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Trust.

Hanna McLaughlin, from the Air Ambulance Trust, said: “Thank you so much to everyone for their generosity in supporting our life-saving service through Get Water Fit. The fundraising landscape has changed significantly over the past 18 months, so we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated to this fantastic total.”

The water-saving efforts are part of Portsmouth Water’s work to encourage and support households to “Play their part and get water smart”, with people in the area using much more water than elsewhere – typically 154 litres per person per day, compared 127 litres elsewhere in the South East.

Water resources in the region are under pressure from population growth, house building, the impacts of climate change and the need to take less water from the environment to protect local streams and rivers and the wildlife which rely on them.

Portsmouth Water customers can benefit from free advice and support, such as free water-efficient devices and an individual online session with a water-saving expert - all by simply visiting <a href="https://create51.sharepoint.com/sites/C51-Shared/Shared%20Documents/c51_projects/Portsmouth%20Water/Metering/Water%20efficiency%20campaign/Comms%20materials/Press%20release%20and%20media%20materials/www.getwaterfit.co.uk">www.getwaterfit.co.uk</a> and entering their postcode.

Through the website, people can earn ‘coins’ for local charities by pledging to take part in water-saving activities. Every three months, the list of charities is updated, with Portsmouth Water encouraging local charities in their supply area in Hampshire and West Sussex to get in touch if they would like to be considered.

Jim Barker, Head of Water Resources at Portsmouth Water, said: “I’d really like to thank everyone who has taken part in our water-saving challenges so far. Not only are you helping protect local rivers and streams, but you’re also supporting local charities, many of whom have found it challenging to raise funds during the past couple of years.

“Using less water also adds up to savings on water and energy bills, as well as reducing your carbon footprint – that’s because third of energy goes on heating water for washing, cooking and cleaning.”

Portsmouth Water is doing its bit to save water – last year, it drove down the amount of water lost through leaks on its pipes by nearly 20 per cent, to the lowest on record.

Charities can get in touch with Portsmouth Water by emailing <u>head.office@portsmouthwater.co.uk</u> marked for the attention of Get Water Fit.