Waterwise is encouraging UK households to turn off their taps for a few hours to drive greater water awareness.

The not-for-profit campaign group is joining forces with Australian counterpart the Water Conservancy, to bring its annual Water Night to the UK for the first time. Participants will be asked to turn off all non-essential taps between 5pm to 10pm on 19 October.

Originally launched by the Water Conservancy in Australia four years ago, the campaign aims to highlight the importance of being careful with water use, inform of the strong link between water and energy consumption and improve water-wise knowledge.

Nicci Russell, Waterwise chief executive, said: “At Waterwise, we’re excited to be bringing Australia’s Water Night campaign to the UK for the first time.

“Through Water Night we’re helping people in the UK understand the value of water. This campaign will also educate people about how they can play their part – to ensure we have enough water now and in the future, for us and for the environment, and to strengthen the UK’s action on climate change.

“Believe it or not, we are already running out of water right across the UK, so we all need to take actions to help.”

Chris Philpot, the Water Conservancy chief executive, said: “It has always been a personal goal of mine to grow Water Night internationally. The last three years has demonstrated water awareness events like Water Night are very effective.

“We’ve seen a 24% increase in water literacy and an 18% increase in water awareness amongst participants. I can’t wait to see the impact it will have in the UK and I’m grateful to be able to work with our friends at Waterwise on the other side of the globe.”

To sign-up, visit the Water Night campaign page

Waterwise is an independent not-for-profit campaigning organisation, and the leading authority on water efficiency in the UK.