April 28, 2006. B&Q. On average daily water use is around 160 litres per person, which is equivalent to two bathfuls. But when asked how much people thought they used, nearly 50 per cent said just 60 litres. Just over a third replied with the correct amount while six per cent thought it was as low as ten litres a day; nine per cent guessed 200 litres a day.

The on-line survey was carried out by B&Q in partnership with 13 water companies and the Environment Agency. The survey, completed by 1,868 diy.com customers between April 7 and 19, showed people have a high awareness that a significant lack of rainfall had caused the drought, with 57 per cent observing "it hasn't rained very much recently which must have an impact."

Much of south east England has been subject to a recent hosepipe ban and our survey revealed that 84 per cent of respondents will "make a conscious effort to use water wisely." A small number, ten per cent say "There may be a water shortage but I pay for what I use."

It also showed that more and more of us are concerned about our water usage and so have invested in water saving products. 41.5 per cent say they have a water butt to collect rainwater for use in the garden, and 32 per cent use water-retaining gel in hanging baskets and pots. Indoors, 35 per cent have dual-flush toilets and 15 per cent have a water-saving device fitted in their loo cistern.

Sutton and East Surrey Water's operations director, Mike Hegarty said: "Today's lifestyles mean people use 50 per cent more water than they did 25 years ago, but they obviously don't realise just how much they are using. The drought has certainly made people more aware of water, and this survey reflects that. I hope visitors to B&Q will find our booklet helpful in managing their water use this summer."

To help you to save water, the complimentary booklet Summer Fun' has been produced, and is packed with tips and advice about water use during the predicted drought-hit summer. The booklet will be available in selected B&Q stores between May 6 and 21, and customers will also have the chance to win prizes of a Center Parcs holiday and £100 in B&Q vouchers.

There are B&Q stores in Leatherhead and Sutton or, for a complete list of stores phone 0845 850 0175 or visit www.diy.com/stores.