Hubbub launches new #TapChat campaign in Dorking I Press Release I Hubbub

Press Release: Monday 22nd October 2018 Dorking residents urged to use water wisely whatever the weather New #TapChat campaign shows how simple changes can save water, time and money Even though it has a rainy reputation the South East receives a lot less rain than most people think – about the same as Melbourne, Australia. This summer saw the longest heatwave since 1976 which put additional pressure on water supplies across the region.The amount of rainfall over the coming months will be essential for next year’s water supplies, as the autumn and winter period is crucial for recharging groundwater supplies.

Despite the need to save water, research conducted by the environmental charity Hubbub reveals that 76% of households are not concerned about the amount of water their household uses, and only 31% of households think they could use less water if needed despite admitting to habits such as leaving the tap on when cleaning their teeth. (1) That’s why Hubbub, water company SES Water and Mole Valley District Council are teaming up to launch #TapChat Dorking, a playful water saving campaign that encourages people to come clean about their water habits and rethink the value of water in their daily lives. #TapChat Dorking is encouraging local residents to make small changes in their daily lives that together will have a considerable impact. As the campaign slogan goes: if we all save a little, Dorking saves a lot. Residents can find simple tips for saving water that save time, effort and money too by following the #TapChat hashtag on social media or visiting bit.ly/SaveWaterDorking.

From Monday 22nd October, eye-catching adverts will pop up across Dorking including in bus shelters, South Street Gardens, Dorking Halls, as well as in local businesses and Mole Valley District Council offices.

A targeted social media campaign will offer residents simple, clear advice on how to save water and there will also be opportunities to pick up free water saving devices and get personal water saving tips by visiting the #TapChat stand outside St. Martin’s Walk Shopping Centre on Friday 26th October from 10am – 2pm.

Councillor Patricia Wiltshire, Cabinet Member for Environment said, “This is such a good idea, and I welcome Mole Valley District Council’s involvement in any venture that helps to save our precious resources. I am so pleased that our attention is being focussed on reducing waste. It is good for our environment and good for us. We are committed to considering future generations and are pleased to support this #TapChat campaign.”

Trewin Restorick, CEO and co-founder of Hubbub said: “Climate change is fuelling increasingly erratic weather patterns, which combined with a dense population of high water users and population growth is putting significant pressure on water supplies in the South East. With the #TapChat Dorking campaign we want to show people how easy it is to make small changes that can save water and money too, even if you’re not on a water meter, as using less water means lower energy bills.”

Alison Murphy, Water Resources Manager at SES Water said: “Most people don’t realise that Dorking is in a water stressed area, and there’s a lack of awareness about the need to use water wisely year-round, whatever the weather. Small changes can make a really big difference and we’re delighted to partner with Hubbub to support people in Dorking to curb their daily water use.”

Top tips for saving water Saving water is easy, and can save you time, effort and money too. Start saving with these top #TapChat tips: 1. Turn off the tap when cleaning your teeth to save 24 litres per day. Leave a note on the mirror as a reminder or to nudge other members of your household to leave the tap turned off.

2. Shorten your shower - it’s easier than you think. Cutting a minute or two off your shower can shorten your water and energy bills, and is better for your hair and skin too.

3. Share a flush. We don’t want to spell it out for you but if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down.

4. Do the dishes in a washing-up bowl or fill the basin to use 60% less water than leaving the tap running. If using a dishwasher, remember to stack it full before running and use the eco-setting if available.

5. Keen gardener? Capture rainwater in a water butt and use to water plants or wash the car.

To find more simple water saving tips visit: www.hubbub.org.uk/TapChat SES Water customers can visit bit.ly/SaveWaterDorking to find more support for saving water including by ordering free water saving devices, switching to a water meter or booking a home water efficiency visit.

Ends Notes to editors 1. Survey of a nationally representative sample of 3,000 UK adults conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Hubbub Foundation UK in June 2017.

About Hubbub Hubbub is an environmental charity that takes a fresh approach to communicating environmental issues by focusing on things people are passionate about and are relevant day-to-day, like fashion, food, homes and neighbourhoods. Hubbub creates positive, playful

campaigns that inspire people to make healthier, greener lifestyle choices, which more often than not help save money and bring people together. www.hubbub.org.uk About SES Water SES Water supplies water to approximately 707,000 people in east Surrey, and parts of West Sussex, west Kent and south London. Our supply area is 322 square miles (835 sq km) extending from Morden and South Croydon in the north to Gatwick Airport in the south and from Cobham, Leatherhead and Dorking in the west to Edenbridge and Bough Beech in the east. Groundwater supplies provide 85 per cent of our water, with 15 per cent being extracted from one reservoir at Bough Beech near Edenbridge. www.waterplc.com For more information about the campaign please contact Stine Wilhelmsen, Creative Partner at Hubbub, on stine@hubbub.org.uk or 020 3701 7548.