Campaign targets rice washing and wuduOne part of the initiative focuses on how rice is prepared in South Asian households.
The campaign says some families wash raw rice five to seven times under running water until the water becomes clear.
The campaign estimates that limiting the rinses could save up to five litres of water each time rice is prepared.
It also suggests reusing the water left after washing rice for purposes such as watering plants.
Some culinary and health experts have also questioned the advice on rice washing.
The Ofwat-funded initiative says rinsing rice twice instead of five to seven times could save up to five litres per preparation, while a separate campaign urges Muslims to use a one-litre jug for wudu
A £270,000 UK water-saving campaign has encouraged South Asian and other Asian households to wash rice fewer times as England faces severe drought conditions, according to The Telegraph.
The initiative, funded through Water industry regulatpr Ofwat’s Innovation Fund and led by South Staffs Water and Cambridge Water, aims to promote water-saving habits among different ethnic and faith communities.
The campaign comes after several heatwaves left large parts of England facing severe drought, with concerns growing over falling river and reservoir levels.
Campaign targets rice washing and wudu
One part of the initiative focuses on how rice is prepared in South Asian households. The campaign says some families wash raw rice five to seven times under running water until the water becomes clear.
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It encourages people to reduce this to two rinses, with celebrity chef Ping Coombes featuring in videos demonstrating the practice. The campaign estimates that limiting the rinses could save up to five litres of water each time rice is prepared.
It also suggests reusing the water left after washing rice for purposes such as watering plants.
"Rice is life in South Asian cooking," Coombes was quoted as saying. "I am passionate about sustainability and this is a great chance to show some simple ways that we can all do more for our planet. Small changes really can make a big difference."
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Another part of the project focuses on wudu, the Islamic ritual washing performed before prayers. Working with Cambridge Central Mosque, the campaign encourages Muslims to use a one-litre jug instead of leaving a tap running while performing wudu.
According to the campaign, wudu under a running tap can use between six and 12 litres of water per session.
Scheme faces criticism
The initiative has attracted criticism from some politicians and members of the public, who have questioned whether taxpayer and water-bill money should be used to target established cultural and religious practices.
Critics have also pointed to the scale of water lost through Britain's ageing infrastructure. Water companies in England are estimated to lose around three billion litres of water each day through leaks.
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Conservative shadow Cabinet Office minister Mike Wood criticised the spending, saying families facing rising water bills "will not be best pleased" to see their money being used on what he described as "bizarre schemes".
Some culinary and health experts have also questioned the advice on rice washing. They argue that rinsing rice can serve purposes beyond removing excess starch, including improving its texture and potentially reducing certain contaminants left from processing.
Water officials, however, have defended the project, saying it is intended to develop a more inclusive approach to water conservation. The initiative aims to test ways of engaging different communities and encouraging practical changes that could reduce household water consumption during periods of water stress.
