In many countries, people struggle to access clean water for drinking. As such, governments and organizations across the world are increasingly aware of environmental conservation efforts focusing on saving freshwater supplies. In effect, many people and countries are trying to minimize water used in homes and are looking for ways to utilize a readily renewable resource available to us in the form of rainwater. By doing so, we are able to reduce our reliance on main water supplies and, in effect, save freshwater and reduce water bills. In this post, let’s take a look at 10 ways you can do to save precious, clean drinking water.
1. Rainwater tanks
Storing rainwater is a process as old as time and ensures that water is always available in a household and less tap water is consumed. In this sense, many homeowners and business proprietors look at investing in concrete underground rainwater tanks to store the renewable resource freely available to us in rainwater. This greatly reduces the overreliance on main water supplies and could save households and businesses thousands in annual utility bills.
Useful Resource: Care Tips for Commercial Water Tanks
2. Saving water starts at home
Turn off faucets when not required. To reduce water wastage, tap water should be used only when required, and family members should also be disciplined to prevent unnecessary wastage of water. If a faucet or tap is leaking, a plumber should be contacted immediately, since a huge amount of water is wasted if leakages are not fixed.
3. Reuse water where available
For example, water used for rinsing can be used in the garden for watering plants or for cleaning the driveway.
4. When washing cutlery
Changing the way dishes are washed can reduce the water needed for washing them. Instead of cold water, use hot water to make cleaning dishes and silverware easier. A small dishwasher does wonders when there is a full load, so make sure to wash dishes in big batches.
Make sure to remove additional residue and food on dishes and cutlery to make washing dishes quicker and reduce the water and energy required by dishwashers.
5. When using a washing machine
Front-loading washing machines use less water than top-loading machines. Always remember to check the washing machine’s energy rating to save power, as the water consumption should also be lower. The washing machine should also be used only when fully loaded.
6. General plumbing
Using low-flow toilets and shower heads can reduce the amount of water used in bathrooms to a great extent, since a lot of water is used for flushing and showering. Attachments such as low-flow faucets are also available to keep water pressure consistent while wasting less water.
7. When showering
Reducing the time taken for showers can help save water and energy consumed for heating water. Though showers are more efficient than bathtubs, a person should take a shower for no longer than five minutes. Encourage others in the household to reduce their shower times as well.
8. Swimming pools
Keeping a swimming pool covered with electric pool covers or pool enclosure which can reduce the amount of water that evaporates, maintains the temperature of the water, and prevents debris from entering the pool, which saves you from replacing the pool water once in a while.
9. For small gardens
Watering plants by hand using a bucket and a pail is more efficient compared to using a sprinkler system. Using rainwater stored in underground rainwater tanks virtually eliminates the need to use municipal water supplies. Additionally, watering plants early in the morning or late in the evening ensures water does not evaporate as quickly due to sunlight and ensures an adequately moist soil.
10. For large gardens or farms
In the case of larger gardens and farms, automatic sprinkler systems should be used that set off at set times or set at ideal moisture levels for plants. A carefully calibrated system will water the plants only when they require water. Rotating-type sprinkler heads should replace the less efficient mist-type sprinkler heads.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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