Even though water covers about 70% of the planet's surface, only 2.5% of that is fresh water. Sadly, not everyone has access to that water. The World Health Organisation say that 1.1 billion people - about 18% of the world's population - lack access to safe drinking water.

Climate change is only set to complicate matters, with glaciers melting, sea level rises and unstable weather patterns leaving the traditional aquifers empty and other water sources polluted or otherwise damaged.

In the UK, we each use 150 litres of water a day through drinking, showering and going to the toilet. Some studies suggest if we take external factors into account, such us how our clothes are made or water used to grow our food, each of us needs 4,645 litres of water to get through a single day.

Things we can do to save water:

• Speak to your water supplier about getting a water meter installed to so you can see just how much you are using

• Only use as much water as you need when boiling the kettle

• Ensure your washing machine or dishwasher is fully loaded when you use it, and if buying a new one select the best performing machine within your budget

• Turn the tap off when you brush your teeth or shave

• Using a bowl to wash up twice a day rather than leaving the hot tap running could save around £25 a year on a household's gas bill and around £25 on your water bill if you have a water meter

• Put a toilet 'hippo' in your cistern to reduce the amount of water flushed

• If you have plants to water, water them from rain saved in water butt

• Cut down baths to an occasional relaxing treat and have a shower in the morning instead. Beware the power shower though, whose high pressure jets can pump out more water in ten minutes than a used in a leisurely steaming hot bath

Knowing how much water you use will help you to make changes to your consumption. Find out how much water and energy your household uses with the Enegry Saving Trust's water energy calculator.

Tell us your thoughts on saving water or share tips and tricks with others on our forum.

Visit the  for more information on food and water.