A precious resource down the drain

Water is a limited resource, something many of take for granted.  How often do you brush your teeth whilst leaving the tap running? On rinse dishes in the sink without using a plug letting perfectly good water run straight down the drain? Little habits like these add up, most of us being completely unaware of the consequences. Day in day out, this unnecessary water wastage can quickly add up to a great deal of water.

FACT:  Did you know that a tap that drips at 50ml per minute can waste 26,000 litres in a year - enough to fill a small swimming pool.

Water conservation is important, even in areas that it seems to be in abundance. In addition to reducing rates and saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds. By reducing water consumption you not only protect our water sources but also delay the need to expand our water and wastewater treatment plants, and prolong the life of in-ground sewage disposal systems, i.e., septic fields.

Following some easy tips we can reduce water consumption in the home, and in business, by 40% or more, without having to make major lifestyle changes or invest in costly infrastructure.

Conserving water around the home

• Turn off the tap! A running tap uses around nine litres of water every minute. If you turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving or peeling vegetables, you can save up to 7500 litres   in a year!
• Fix leaking taps. Fixing a leaking tap washer can save up to 5000 litres of water per month. 
• Install a dual-flush. Flushing the toilet makes up around 30% of household water use. A dual-flush reduces the amount of water used per flush. A cheaper option is to place a brick or filled water bottle in the toilet cistern system.
• Only use your dishwasher or washing machine when you've got a full load. Front loading washing machines use 50%less water.
  
• Install low-flow shower heads. These still provide plenty of water flow and they will save you around 30 litres per shower.
• Reduce your shower time. Showering for 3 minutes or less will save you around 80 litres per shower.
• Take a short shower instead of a bath. An average bath uses around 80 litres of water.
  

Conserving water around the garden

• Design your garden with water conservation in mind. Using native plants that are well suited to the environment can help.
• Minimise paved areas or ensure run off goes on to the lawn rather than storm water drains. Storm water run-off carries dirt and pollutants which end up in our rivers and streams.
• Collect rain water in drums or tanks. This can be really helpful during dry periods when water restrictions are in place. During heavy downpours water is collected in tanks and not spewed into storm water drains, reducing the likelihood of flooding.
  
• Water when cool. Early morning or after dusk is best.  Up to 40% of water will evaporate if you water your garden during the day.
  
• Water close to the ground. The soil absorbs the water better this way.
• Always check the forecast. No point using a sprinkler if it's going to rain.
  

published 3 years ago

schmeidi

641 points