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"

BENEFITS OF CONSERVING WATER

 Conserving water saves energy. Energy is needed to filter, heat and pump water to your home, so reducing your water use also reduces your carbon footprint. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish.

Adopting water conservation practices is crucial for environmental sustainability, ensuring a more resilient and balanced relationship between human activities and the planet's water resources.

Here are some of the benefits of conserving water: 

1. Preservation of Ecosystems:

Water conservation helps maintain the health of ecosystems by ensuring an adequate supply for plants, animals, and aquatic life. It sustains biodiversity and supports the natural balance of ecosystems.

2. Resource Sustainability:

Conserving water ensures the sustainable use of this resource. By preventing over-extraction from rivers, lakes, and aquifers, we contribute to the long-term availability of clean water for future generations.

3. Energy Conservation:

Treating and distributing water requires a significant amount of energy. By reducing water usage, we indirectly lower the energy required for water treatment and transportation, leading to a more energy-efficient system.

4. Financial Savings:

Water conservation at the individual and community levels can result in lower water bills. Fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and adopting responsible water practices contribute to financial savings for households and businesses.

5. Mitigation of Water Scarcity:

Many regions worldwide are facing water scarcity issues. Conservation measures can alleviate stress on water supplies, particularly in arid and drought-prone areas, helping to mitigate the impacts of water scarcity.

6. Reduced Pollution:

The treatment of wastewater involves energy and resources. By using less water, there is a decrease in the volume of wastewater produced, leading to lower levels of pollution in rivers and oceans.

7. Climate Change Mitigation:

Water conservation plays a role in climate change mitigation. Energy is often used to pump, treat, and heat water. By reducing water consumption, we indirectly contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

8. Protection of Aquatic Habitats:

 Conserving water ensures that there is enough flow in rivers and streams to sustain aquatic habitats. Adequate water levels are crucial for the survival of fish and other aquatic organisms.

9. Preservation of Soil Quality:

Water conservation helps maintain soil moisture levels. Adequate soil moisture is essential for agriculture and prevents soil erosion, promoting healthier and more productive land.

10. Global Water Security:

 Water conservation on a global scale contributes to enhanced water security. With a growing global population and increasing demands on water resources, responsible water use is essential for meeting current and future needs.

Take a look at some of the benefits provided through Instagram: 

@aisha_bagha -

"Protects water supplies in case of drought" 

@zainab_akadir -

" Reduces water purchase costs." 

@_real_rizwana -

" More ways to use and benefits more people, species etc. " 

4. CONSERVE WATER

 Introduction

Water is essential to our daily lives. Whenever water is used, there is a potential for conservation both inside and outside of your home or business. Fresh water is a limited resource, making water conservation an important factor for the environment.

 With population growth, expansion of industry, increasing levels of development activity, and the potential for climate change impacts there is increasing pressure placed on the province’s water resources. Whether you are on a municipal or a private domestic water supply, water conservation is a wise practice. 

Conserving water saves energy. Using less water keeps more in our ecosystems and helps to keep wetland habitats topped up for animals like otters, water voles, herons and fish.

In a nutshell, the conservation of water refers to the careful and sustainable use of water resources to prevent waste, ensure its availability for future generations, and protect ecosystems.

In our next chapters we shall look at the benefits of water conservations and simple ways in which we can conserve water to save our planet. 

Take a look at what our social media family when talking about water conservation:

WhatsApp 

Adam 

" Using water cautiously and not wasting it. " 

Instagram 

@aisha_bagha -

" Reduce water wastage."

@_real_rizwana -

" Not to waste water."

@rewireyourmindsetstrategy -

"Each drop of water is precious. Can't waste or use in a way that is not beneficial to anyone."