Publication of the Household Water Usage Factsheet 2023/24

The Household Water Usage factsheet 2023/24 has been published today.

This publication, produced by the Analysis, Statistics and Research Branch (ASRB) of the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), presents findings from the 2023/24 Continuous Household Survey (CHS).

The publication is available on the new Water Usage Research webpage .

Key Points

Individual usage:

• On average 55% of respondents indicated they showered between six and 10 times a week.
• Nearly half of respondents (48%) said their average shower times were between two and five minutes.

Household usage:

• Eighty-one percent of households had a hosepipe or bucket for outside use.
• Of those who had a hosepipe or bucket, 67% used it to water the plants and 52% to wash the car.
• Sixteen percent of households used their dishwasher every day, and 22% of households used their washing machine every day.
• One percent of households stated they did not have a washing machine, whilst 42% stated they did not own a dishwasher.

Notes to editors: 

1. The information presented in this publication derives from the 2023/24 the Continuous Household Survey (CHS) in relation to Household Water Usage. The CHS is considered to be a representative sample of the population at household level.
2. A total of 4,927 adults aged 16 and over were surveyed in 2023-24.
3. The report provides annual statistics on the use of water by individuals and households including use of showers, dishwashers, washing machines and hosepipes.
4. The information may be used by the Department to inform and further understand water use within the home.
5. The statistical report has been produced in accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics, complying with the pillars of Trustworthiness, Quality and Value. You can find further information about the Code of Practice on UK Statistics Authority website.
6. For more information relating to this publication, including additional analysis, breakdowns of data, or alternative formats please contact:

• Telephone: (028) 9054 0804 (Text relay prefix 18001)
• E-mail: asrb@nisra.gov.uk
• Website: Statistics and research

ASRB advise customers to make contact through email or by telephone.

7. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
8. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure and on LinkedIn at Department for Infrastructure.
9. The Executive Information Service operates an out-of-hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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