THERE was an interesting section in the Bolton Citizen Panel questionnaire on saving water and energy.

One question asked was: Do you turn the tap off while brushing your teeth?

Obviously, the council is aware of the amounts of water that can be wasted this way.

It is surely aware of the vast amounts wasted when taking baths instead of showers.

Why is it that the council does not fit showers in all their houses?

Not only would this save water, it would also save the energy used to heat that water.

Another great water saver is the half flush toilet cistern. Why aren't these fitted in all council houses? We had one, until recently, when it had to be replaced. I was very surprised to find that the new one emptied completely at each flush.

Could it be that the council is buying cheap cisterns no one else wants due to the awareness of water conservation and the threat of water meters?

Are they more concerned with saving money, short-term, than saving water -- and energy -- long term?

If this is not the case, perhaps someone from the council could explain why these water wasters are still being fitted in council property and why showers are not standard fittings?

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