Switch off the tap while you brush your teeth Wash vegetables etc in a bowl rather than under a running tap. Dishwasher or hand washing? The answer to this depends on your washing up style – handwashers can use between 10 and 50 litres of water and a dishwasher can use 15-30 litres. If you dishwasher is A rated for energy efficiency and you always have a full load and your electricity is from a renewable source it can be the better option. Use a bucket for washing the car, rather than a hose or a car wash. You could even use water from your water butt rather than the tap. Take showers rather than baths. A 5 minute ordinary shower uses about 30 litres of water and a bath uses about 80 litres. But if you have a Power Shower it can use up to 90 litres in 5 minutes.