Water saving efforts hinge on the capabilities of plumbers and heating installers, according to the industry organisation that represents their interests.

The Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering explains that the time plumbers spend face-to-face with customers is an ideal opportunity for them to share insight about water saving and other environmental issues.

Chief executive Blane Judd says: "There are over 100,000 plumbers in the UK spending approximately 150 million hours per annum with consumers performing installations, fixing pipes and offering advice."

Among the topics that plumbers might be best placed to advise about are low-flow shower heads.

These use a specially designed internal structure to boost pressure without requiring as much water to be drawn from the mains.

However, they can also require that the mains pressure is within a certain range in order for them to operate correctly - making expert advice a good idea for anyone looking to install a low-flow showerhead in their own home.