How to Save Water

Water is probably the most precious resource we have. Sadly it has long been abused and misused. Each day our water supply is put under greater and greater stress. However, there are a few things all of us can do to help. Here are a few water-saving tips that we can all follow.

1. Don’t ignore dripping faucets. Always close faucets properly or, if needed, fix them as soon as possible. A dripping faucet can waste around 75 liters in only one day.

2. Install new water-saving fixtures. New technologies now allow us to help the Earth. Part of saving water and having a greener home includes installing things such as low-volume toilets, low-flow showerheads, and water efficient washing machines. All of these fixtures can be purchased at a reasonable price, and in the end, the money and water saved makes it worth it.

3. Practice good water habits. This is probably the oldest and easiest water-saving tip. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or washing your hands. Promote the 5-minute shower. Wash clothes only in full loads. You can measure your success by comparing water bills. If your water costs are lower, you are doing a good job.

4. Avoid purchasing water bottles. In reality, there is nothing wrong with tap water. It undergoes health regulations and in some cases, it is even better for you. Don’t waste your money on bottled water. Instead, carry a thermos you can refill. By doing this, not only are you helping the world’s water supply, you are also helping reduce the amount of trash we produce.

5. Encourage responsible gardening. If you have a garden or a backyard, plant native plants or plants that don’t require a lot of water. Whenever you water your plants do it in the early morning or in the late evening. These are times when there is not much sun, so the water won’t evaporate.

6. Take advantage of the rain. Harvest rainwater and use it for irrigation.

7. Keep an eye out. Be on the lookout for leaks, broken pipes, and other forms of wasting water. Report them or fix them as soon as possible.

8. Inform others. Encourage friends and family to put these tips into practice too.

Ada Bersoza