How to Save Water - Simple Household Steps
Seven Ways in Which We Can Conserve Our Most Precious Resource
These techniques may be unusual - but every drop counts. So get on out there and start saving some water.
- 'If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down' - This is a favourite saying in many households now. And any house that contains children will sigh with relief once this rule is implemented. So how can this be put discreetly? Well, let's step into the bathroom for starters. Basically, whenever you feel the need for a 'tinkle', then that's just fine, but there is no need to flush the toilet each and every time. Just let it sit for a while. After a few 'tinkles' have accumulated, then flush. Or wait until 'number twos' and then flush the lot away. It is estimated that with every flush the average toilet will use between 1.5 and 3 gallons of water each and every time. Even just flushing the toilet every other time you use it will halve your water usage.
- Alternative Watering Systems - These are commonly known as 'grey water systems'. They re-use water that would otherwise go down the drain. Try connecting a long hose from the washing machine out the window and down into either a bin with wheels, or a large container. Now divert the water from the rinse cycle. It is best to use only this cycle as most of the human contaminants have been removed from your clothes already. All non-edible plants and fruiting trees can be watered with the resultant grey water.
- Shower every other day - This can take a little adjusting to. But if anyone has watched the documentary by Nicki Taylor called 'How Dirty Can I Get' , then there is no excuse not to miss a day or two here and there. This rule is easier to stick to in winter, when it is colder and there is less chance of sweating.
- Collecting water from odd spots - Try placing a bucket lives underneath your air conditioner, and collect the water that drips. Or leave a bucket or two out on your front lawn next time it rains.
- Fix any leaking taps - Or place a bucket underneath them, and collect the water. Taps that leak are a constant waste of water. So either fix that tap or take advantage of it.
- Have a bath - instead of a shower and use it to water the lawn. Remember what it was like to have a long hot soak in a relaxing bath? Well, maybe it's now time to try it out. Unfortunately though, if you plan to use the water on your lawn, then most bubble bath solutions are out. So are bath salts. Bath bombs could be used, but only sporatically. These too contain salts that can build up in your lawn. These can lead to a slow poisoning of the soil. So, only once or twice with a natural bath product is okay.
- Use a half sink of water - when doing the dishes. The same number of dishes are washed, but only half the amount of water is being used.
The copyright of the article How to Save Water - Simple Household Steps in Water Conservation is owned by Rachel Tsoumbakos. Permission to republish How to Save Water - Simple Household Steps in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
