How much water does a hydroponic growing system use?

Hydroponics is very efficient in its use of water.  The tanks and the gaps between the plants are covered up in order to reduce the effect of evaporation.  Running water below the plants rather than overhead watering also increases water efficiency. All unused water goes back to the tank and is recycled so there are no drainage losses.  This means we use as little as one tenth of the water that a normal garden would use. At The Achiltibuie Garden we have water butts for rainwater harvesting for use with our hydroponic systems and our soil based gardens.