Households across the UK are being urged to pour vegetable water onto their lawns this week as 30C temperatures are forecast. The return of hot and dry weather this month has meant parts of the UK are now experiencing their fourth heatwave of the summer, which has put pressure on overstretched water supplies.

England is now suffering from “nationally significant” water shortfalls, with five areas of the country now in drought. Hosepipe bans are currently in place for all Yorkshire Water customers, as well as parts of the regions served by Thames Water, South East Water and Southern Water. To help save water, households are being urged to take small actions at home like making use of grey water in gardens. Grey water is waste water from non-toilet plumbing systems, such as your bath, shower, sink, and even the water you boil vegetables in. It can be reused for various purposes, including watering your lawn to help keep it in good condition during bouts of hot weather.

Warm temperatures can cause grass to become stressed and turn brown, particularly when there has been little to no rainfall, and with hosepipe bans in force, lawns won’t be getting as much nutrients as they need so making use of old vegetable water is an easy way to prevent it from drying out.

Gardening expert James Lewis, from MyBuilder.com, adds: “A great tip is to utilise 'grey water' for irrigation, repurposing water from activities like vegetable boiling or bathing to conserve water resources.

"Adding a water butt or rain collector is another great way to save water and reduce your impact on the environment. However, ensure that the water does not contain harsh chemicals to maintain the health of your grass and soil.”

Using vegetable water on your lawn is a natural source of nutrients, rich in nitrogen, potassium and other minerals that are beneficial for grass, and it minimises the need for chemical fertilisers. The nutrients from the water can also help improve the soil structure which can lead to healthier, stronger and greener grass.

Experts at East River Nursery explain: “The next time you boil pasta or steam some vegetables in your kitchen, instead of pouring the water down the drain, use it in your garden or in your house to keep your plants green and flourishing.  

“You can also use water from boiling eggs, which is full of calcium your plant needs to grow. This method of watering your plants works because it acts like a fertilizer to give your plants the nutrition they need to survive.”

The experts add: “There are many advantages to using cooking water to feed your plants. Not only is it cost effective and resourceful, the fertiliser it provides for your plants gives them a more stable and steady growth period. The water will help promote natural nutrient storage within the soil. 

“This means you will not have to fertilise your plants or garden as often providing longevity for your soil. It will also help your soil retain more moisture, therefore reducing the amount of times you will need to water.”