5 Simple Ways to Conserve Water At Home

1. Harvest Rain Water

Make full use of the rainy weather by collecting rainwater. Rainwater is pure, which makes it the best type of water. It’s free from chemicals, and also, easy on your pockets. Install gutters on roofs where rainwater runs off or use buckets to collect water from the roof. Take every effort to ensure that precious rainwater does not go to waste.

2. Reduce Water Consumption

Recognize areas where the use of water isn’t necessary. The modern toilet, for example, is the most water-intensive fixture in the house. It uses at least six liters of water with every flush. Apply the saying, “If it’s yellow, let it mellow” by not flushing when you pee. If that’s not for you, have a bucket of water with a jug by the side of the toilet to use instead. This uses less than half of the water you’d typically use when you flush from the cistern.

3. Reuse Used Water

Water is a reusable resource. In that, it can be used for many different things. For example, instead of draining used water down the drain after you’ve washed your veggies or after cooking pasta, use the cool water to water your garden. You will not only save water, but you are watering your plants with water that is full of nutrients. Identify other areas where the same concept can be applied and reuse as much as possible.

4. Avoid Running Water

Make sure water is only running when it’s actively in use. This means turning off faucets in the shower when you’re applying soap or when brushing your teeth. Take it old school when doing the dishes by collecting water in basins. That is, have one basin for washing and another one for rinsing. This process uses half the water that would be used, otherwise, when washing under running water.

5. Fix Water Leaks

Leaks can easily account for at least 10,000 liters of water wastage per year. This puts a toll on your water bill, wastes water, and it could, potentially, cause damage to your property. Therefore, you should identify any areas where there might be leaks and fix them immediately.

The Garden:

• Mulching your garden can save up to 73% of water lost through evaporation
• Use a trigger on your garden hose to prevent wastage when walking between gardens.
• A forgotten sprinkler can waste 1000 litres of water per hour
• Don’t water during the hotter parts of the day, Early morning or late afternoon will yield best results.

The Bathroom & Toilet:

• Replacing a single flush with a 6/3 dual flush toilet can save up to 8 litres per flush (or for the average family 36,180 litres per year)
• Leaking toilets can wear internal parts and cause excess water bills!! Take a quick look to ensure theres no leaks in your toilet!
• Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth each minuet can waste upwards of 6L of water!!!
• Older style showerheads can use up to 24 litres per minute. Install a AAA rated shower head (9 litres per minute)

The Kitchen:

• Some kitchen taps tap can use up to 15-20 litres/minute of water.
• Installing a watersaving 9L/min tap will pay for itself in water savings.
• Use only half the sink when washing up or rinsing vegetables.
• Most dishwashers use upwards of 30L of water per wash! Ensure the dishwasher is full before use, and consider the water usage when upgrading.

The Laundry:

• You can use up to 120 litres each time you use the washing machine
• When buying a new washing machine look for one that is water and energy efficient
• Front loading washing machines use 40% less water than top loading washing machines

Everyone has a role to play in the water conservation game. Sometimes all it takes is small steps to achieve the intended goal. It’s no less in water conservation. Play your part by applying these simple tips to your home. Something as simple as house maintenance makes a big difference. Make use of rainy weather, use water only when you have to, and find clever ways to re-purpose it. Also, identify any other areas where you can apply any other changes. The environment will thank you.