HOW TO CONSERVE WATER

We have seen why it is important to conserve water and so in our last article under the water conservation chapter we shall look at the simple ways in which you can conserve water:

1. Stop Leaks 

Check all water-using appliances, equipment, and other devices for leaks. Running toilets, steady faucet drips, home water treatment units, and outdoor sprinkler systems are common sources of leaks.

Frequently checking for leaks helps to ensure you aren’t using large amounts of water. 

2. Plant the right plants 

Whether you're installing a new landscape or changing the existing one, select plants that are appropriate for your climate. Consider landscaping techniques designed to create a visually attractive landscape by using low-water and drought-resistant grass, plants, shrubs, and trees. If maintained properly, climate-appropriate landscaping can use less than one-half the water of a traditional landscape.

3. Provide only the water plants need

 Automatic landscape irrigation systems are a home's biggest water user. To make sure you're not overwatering, adjust your irrigation controller at least once a month to account for changes in the weather.

4. Install Water Saving Devices

Adding water-saving devices to your home or business can help to conserve water. Consider adding; Water faucet aerators, Low-flow showerheads and Toilet dams. 

5. Water Conservation tips for the kitchen

• Take foods out of the freezer early to allow plenty time to thaw rather than running water over it.
• Keep water in the fridge so you don’t have to run the tap to get cold water.
• Completely fill the dishwasher before you turn it on. It can use 35-45 litres per cycle.
• If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.
• Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.
• Keep cooking fats, oils and grease out of the drain. They can stick to and block the inside of pipes, which can lead to sewer back-ups and basement flooding.

6. Use water Wisely for laundry 

Purchase a high efficiency washing machine and try to only do laundry when the machine is full.

7. Other Daily Water Saving Habits

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
• When washing your car, rather than use a running hose consider using a bucket, a sponge, and a hose with a trigger nozzle.
• Check garden hoses and connections frequently and keep them drip-free. Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they are not as visible, but they can be just as wasteful as leaks inside.

Let us take a look at some of the ways of conserving water as suggested by our Instagram family: 

@aisha_bagha -

"Regularly check for leaks"

@_real_rizwana -

"Get a bucket for rainwater"