This month has been particularly dry, with no sign yet of our typical April showers. But, this being Britain, it is bound to rain soon - and when it does Waterwise wants you to be prepared.

Despite the hosepipe ban being lifted, the not-for-profit organisation, which focuses on decreasing water consumption in the UK, wants people to remain sensible about water use.

Just four per cent of water use at home is drunk, the rest of the 150 litres the average person uses every day goes on washing, appliances or is flushed down the toilet!

The key to efficiency is reducing waste, such as mending leaks, not leaving taps running and choosing more water-efficient products. But another easy way to save mains-supply water, is to collect rain water for use outside. Typically, seven per cent of our water at home is used outside. Most DIY and hardware stores now sell inexpensive water butts, which can hold up to 200 litres of water, giving you more than enough to water the plants and wash your car once a week.

And, with the buzzword these days being recycling, this applies to water too. Fitting a diverter to your sink, bath or shower, is relatively easy and this 'grey water can be used for watering the garden (providing you do not use too much detergent) and outside cleaning, such as windows, patios and cars.

For more suggestions on how you can save water, visit the website www.waterwise.org.uk