By 
Conserve Water.
We hear these 2 words often on environmental conservation marches, public places like parks or beaches, on TV ad campaigns etc. The words ‘Conserve Water’ have become part of our lives now.
It’s rather thought provoking why this quote has so much momentum, when 70% of Earth is made of water. Well, that’s because most of it is salty.
We use freshwater for our needs such as drinking, cooking, washing etc. Most of the freshwater on Earth is trapped in glaciers. We use the freshwater from rivers, lakes or the ground. These sources aren’t sufficient to meet the needs of 7 billion people therefore, don’t waste it by playing games like water balloon games.
So we need to do our parts in conserving water, however small the contribution. It starts at home. Here, we bring you 21 practical ways to conserve water at home.
1. Replace Baths with Showers
We all like to take baths. A bath relaxes us. But it wastes a lot of water. So, take a shower instead, as showers waste less water than baths.
Also, a full bath takes longer. A shower uses approximately 25 gallons of water in 10 minutes while a full bath wastes up to 70 gallons of water. Just look at the difference.
2. Use Water-Saving Showerheads
Water saving shower heads or flow restrictors are a must buy as we can save more water with a showerhead upgrade. Buy low flow showerheads which use less water than regular ones. Such showerheads use less than 2.5 gallons of water in a minute. It conserves more than one might think.
3. Look for Leaks
Regular inspection of pipelines, water tubes and faucets will help identify possible leaks. Zero g hose will be a better choice for this. And proper identification of leaks can help fix them at the earliest. In case of an emergency water leaks should be repaired right away. This prevents a lot of water wastage.
4. Use Smart Appliances
Thanks to the technology, there are washing machines and dishwashers which conserve water for you. In the market, several water saving dishwashers are available.
Further, automatic dishwashers and washing machines conserve more water than we do. So, get smart appliances for your home.
5. Use Machines for Full Loads Only
Let’s continue with the appliances. Washing machines and dishwashers consume water and electricity. To conserve both the resources we must make maximum use of the machines.
How? Use them for full loads only. It conserves more water to put 20 clothing items together than 10 separately. So, just relax and let the dirty laundry pile up. When you have enough for a full load, use the washing machine. The same goes for your dishwashers as well.
6. Consider Using a Low/Dual Flush Toilet
The new sustainable toilet models save more water than traditional ones. The low flush toilet uses less amount of water than full flush types. Such toilets use less than 4.8 liters of water per flush.
A dual flush toilet uses different amounts of water for different waste types. For solid waste, it flushes out more water. For liquid waste, it uses less water.
7. Turn Off Taps When Brushing
You don’t have to keep the tap running the entire time you are brushing. As per EPA, a person wastes nearly 4 gallons of water each time while brushing with the taps on. So, turn them off. A small reminder again; Earth’s water resources are quite precious!
8. Turn Off the Taps Again
We must use every opportunity to conserve water. While brushing, shaving; turn off the taps. Also, when washing hands, turn the taps off. Many times, when we apply a hand wash, we keep the taps running. It wastes so much water. That’s why it is better to install sensor faucets which turn off automatically after a few seconds when not in use.
9. Practice Rainwater Harvesting
Collect the rainwater as much as possible. Firstly, collect it on your roof and secondly, collect it in an underground tank. Storage units can store the rainwater for a long period of time. The rainwater can be used in watering the garden or the vegetable patches in our homes.
10. Reposition the Sprinklers
A good amount of water from the sprinklers falls on the pavements or tiles of the yard. Adjust the position of the sprinklers to water the grass and plants. Also, don’t forget to turn off the sprinklers on a rainy day.
11. Plant Shrubs Which Resist Drought
Not only these plants use less water, they will survive even if we forget to water them a day or two. Aloe, Artemisia, Kangaroo Paw, Beardtongue etc. are common drought resistant plants.
12. Water Plants in The Morning
Water gives energy to plants. When fungus grows, it fights for water. Fungus usually doesn’t grow at colder times. So, in the early morning less fungus is present. This saves water. It’s always good to water your plants before 10:00 or after 16:00.
13. Deep Soak the Lawns
In this method, the garden soil soaks up till a depth of 6-8 inches. This helps the root to gain more moisture for a greater period of time. This conserves water as the roots gain the moisture they require.
14. Wash Fruits and Vegetables in a Bin
Get a big bin. Fill it with water and soak your fruits and vegetables for 5-10 minutes. Take the eatables out and wipe away the remaining water with a clean cloth. This avoids running water from a faucet for too long.
15. Wash Dishes in a Filled Sink
When the dishwasher isn’t at full load, the following method works. Fill water in the sink. Put the dishes in and let them soak. After 2-5 minutes, apply the detergent and lather the dishes well. Soak them again and wipe them with a clean cloth. Let them dry completely. Wipe them again after drying. This method conserves a lot of water.
16. Use Car Wash with Water Recycling System
There are commercial car washes which recycle the water. So, next time go to places which recycle the used water.
17. Take Short Showers
Reduce the time you shower. It’s as easy as it sounds.
18. Reduce Garbage Disposal
Yes, you heard it right. Instead of disposing the garbage with tons of water, compost the vegetable and fruit waste. This saves water and adds fertility to the soil in your backyard.
19. Keep an Additional Water Bottle in Your Fridge
In hot summers, we cool our water bottles by putting them under a running tap. Simply, put a bottle or two in the fridge. This practice avoids water wasting.
20. Throw the Ice Cubes at Your Plants
Leftover ice cubes from the fridge can water the plants. Why throw the cubes away, when the plants can have it? So, next time don’t throw the cubes in the sink.
21. Reduce Hose Usage
Clean your sidewalks, pavements etc. with a broom. Brooms can remove the dry leaves and dust layer at top. After this, you will need less water to clean off the sidewalks. Another pointer, reduce hose’s use on the car as well. Wipe off the small dirt layers with a wet cloth than the hose. Use the hose when the car’s very dusty and dirty.
Water conservation is a need of the times. Adopt healthy water saving practice and make it a habit to follow through. Spread awareness about the water crises the planet faces. Follow the above tips to save water at your homes. Let’s save water. Let’s save Earth.
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