Make your own mini waterbutt
We all know plants need water to stay alive, but did you know plants actually
prefer rain water than water from the tap. This is because rain water
contains lots of nutrients which help plants to grow and flourish.
Waterbutts are a great way for collecting rain water to water the garden and
as we usually get plenty of rain here in Northern Ireland they are a great way
to catch water to use on drier days.
Making your own mini waterbutt is a simple way to collect rain water, save
water and keep our flowers and gardens blooming.

What you need
 An empty plastic milk bottle – the bigger the better
 Scissors
 Garden String 
 Decorations – paint, stickers, waterproof pens

1. Clean and dry your milk bottle and remove the label.
2. Ask an adult to carefully cut the base of the bottle. .
3. Decorate you bottle using bright colours or why not add
some water saving messages. Remember the bottle will be
fixed in place with the lid pointing down, so make sure your
decorations don’t end up upside down.
4. Find the perfect place on the garden fence to attach your
mini waterbutt using garden string or cable ties. Ensure the cap is on and pointing
downwards like the picture so it will catch the rain.
5. Once the rain has collected in your mini waterbutt place a watering can underneath
and screw off the lid to let your watering can fill.

Saving Water at home

To inspire pupils to save water at home there are free water saving devices available for households. 

You  can complete an online water audit and request your free water saving items  and have them delivered straight to your homes by simply visiting https://www.getwaterfit.co.uk                   Items available include 4 minute shower timers, save a flush bags, swell gels and stop tap tags.