Saving Water
Every day, there are many simple, practical things we can do to conserve water, save money and help the environment. Consider the following water-saving tips next time you are looking for ways to be more water wise. For example if you shower just a little differently, you can cut the water you use while showering by more than 50 percent and you will also save the energy it takes to heat it.
The easiest step is to install a low-flow shower head, which reduces maximum flow of water, and to limit your time in the shower -five minutes is plenty of time to get clean. Put a timer in the shower to help you keep track.
Don’t let cold water run down the drain while you’re waiting for your shower to heat up. Instead, capture the water in a bucket and use it to water your plants.
Don’t leave the water running while cleaning your teeth or shaving. Use the plug to reserve a little water for rinsing instead.
Make sure you don’t have leaks. Find a two-hour period when no-one in your house will be using water. Check the water meter at the beginning and end of the two-hour period. If your meter has changed at all, something is leaking.
If you have an older toilet with a large capacity, try putting a bottle filled with water or a brick in the cistern to reduce the amount of water used with each flush.
Naturalize your garden using plants, trees and shrubs that are indigenous to your region and don’t need a lot of water. If you have to water, do it during the coolest part of the day or at night to minimize evaporation. Put a rain barrel on your downspouts and use this water for irrigation.
Consider installing a tankless water heater, capable of providing an instant, endless supply of hot water. These systems work on-demand and don’t require a holding tank to store pre-warmed water.
Be on the look out in your neighborhood for broken pipes, open hydrants and excessive waste. Don’t be shy about pointing out leaks and drips to your friends and family members. They may not even realize they have a water-wasting fixture right under their nose.
Buy an energy-efficient washing machine and only wash when you have a full loadbefore you use the washing machine. If you do a half load, adjust the water level accordingly.
Tags: water
