A rapidly increasing global population combined with climate change means that water is scarce and in short supply all over the world. If we have any hope of correcting this situation it’s going to take each and every one of us to come together in a collective effort to save water. Even if you don’t live in a water-scarce region, we all have to do our part, otherwise the future looks very bleak and very dry.
Being conscious of saving water really doesn’t take that much effort. We just need to be aware, use common sense and stop taking this life-sustaining resource for granted.
Having said that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed as to how to make a difference and when we feel overwhelmed we tend to do nothing because we are not sure of what to do. And we can feel like even if we do something it won’t make a difference.
The easiest way to save water is to begin with some simple steps – remember, doing this will save water as well as save on your bill. And if everyone does the same then we stand a good chance of saving the planet’s water for future generations.
We’ve put together 12 tips that will help you along your way to water competency. If you follow them, you’ll be well on your way to making a difference.
- Buy water-efficient devices and water-saving appliances. From your shower-head to your dishwasher – there are now water saving devices available in most ranges. Next time you’re replacing literally anything that uses water, look for the water efficient options.
- Set your garden up to capture rain water from gutters and invest in a rain water tank. This water can be used in your garden, avoiding the need for the use of a hose, which is possibly one of the worst threats to the water saving effort.
- You can also make your garden water wise by planting indigenous drought-resistant plants that require minimal watering. Mulch in flowerbeds helps to retain moisture in the soil for longer.
- Water your garden only very early in the morning or after sunset. This will reduce unnecessary evaporation.
- When brushing your teeth, close the tap off while brushing. It’s so unnecessary to leave in running and this simple step could really make a big difference when carried out across the household.
- If you use a swimming pool in the summer – don’t overfill it or have water sloshing out over the sides. Research proper pool water maintenance so that it doesn’t get all grubby and need re-filling.
- In the shower, wet your body, switch off the water, lather up, then switch back on to rinse. A water efficient shower head will help you with this.
- Make sure all your taps are fully closed and replace your tap washers regularly. A dripping tap can waste as much as 30 litres a day!
- Tap aerators reduce and spread the flow of water. It saves water, but feels like you are using the same amount, so really doesn’t affect you at all after the initial installation.
- Plug the sink when shaving rather than rinsing your razor under running water. Or better yet, use an electric re-chargeable razor.
- Put a bucket in the shower and collect grey water that you can use to water your garden or flush the toilet.
- Definitely opt for a shower over a bath – a half-filled bath uses 113 litres of water, while a 5-minute shower uses about 56 litres.
Talk to one of our friendly members of the team today, so that we can guide you through all of our water efficient options available to you.
