How UK domestic water usage is calculated
Household water consumption is estimated by combining daily shower minutes (flow rate ~10 L/min), weekly baths (~80 L), toilet flushes (~6 L), washing machine cycles (~50 L) and kitchen taps.
The Consumer Council for Water (CCW) benchmark for typical domestic water consumption in the UK is approximately 142 litres per person per day.
Worked example
For a 3-person UK home with 7-minute showers, 3 weekly baths, 5 flushes per person/day, and 4 washing machine loads per week:
Daily household usage is 408 litres (136 litres per person per day, which is below the UK benchmark of 142 L). Annual water volume is 148.9 m3, with an estimated annual metered bill of £521.15.
Inputs for the water calculator
Number of people in household
Total number of permanent residents living in the home.
Daily shower time per person
Average minutes spent showering per person each day (typical UK shower uses ~10 L/min).
Baths taken per week (whole home)
Total bathtubs filled across the household each week (~80 litres per bath).
Toilet flushes per person/day
Number of times each resident flushes the toilet daily (~6 litres per flush).
Washing machine loads per week
Number of laundry cycles run each week (~50 litres per standard load).
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Water calculator questions
What is the average water usage per person in the UK?
According to the Consumer Council for Water (CCW), average UK per capita water consumption is approximately 142 litres per day.
How can I reduce water consumption in the shower?
Fitting an aerating water-saving showerhead can reduce flow rates from 12-15 L/min down to 7-8 L/min without sacrificing shower pressure.