Water Conservation
Water conservation is a globally recognized issue that impacts all of us in many ways. With the world’s population continuing to rise, it is a real challenge to find a sustainable means of ensuring that everybody’s water supply needs are met. Water conservation is the responsible use of water resources in order to ensure that reserves are not depleted faster than they can be replenished. It is important that we all take part in water conservation practices to keep our environmental resources healthy and plentiful.
We can all make a difference in water conservation. It starts at home with small changes that can have a large impact. Turn off the taps when washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or washing dishes. Installing water-saving shower heads and high-efficiency toilets are relatively easy upgrades that can reduce your water bills and lower the amount of water you use. Furthermore, make sure to only use natural and recycled water resources in the garden. It is also a good idea to set your washing machine to shorter cycles and use the cold water setting instead of the hot.
Appliances are common culprits when it comes to wasting water. Check for any signs that your plumbing may need repair, as this can be a major source of inefficiency. If you have an outdoor space such as a garden or a lawn, use methods that reduce water consumption. Allowing the grass to remain taller will retain water and make it greener, and certain plants require no or minimal water to grow.
Restaurants and commercial establishments can also make a large impact when it comes to reducing water usage. Re-use all water for irrigation. Exchange the dishwasher for a pressure washer that offers a higher flow rate and cleans dishes more quickly. Collect rainwater for the toilets and use the greywater from the kitchen area for washing the floor and landscape.
It is also important to be mindful of your water use outside the home and office. Look for simple alternatives in your daily life that reduce your water usage. Collect water from your car’s water coolant reservoir for gardening, or use a dehumidifier to collect condensation for gardening and other household uses.
Here are some additional tips to help you conserve water:
• Check your faucets and pipes for signs of leaking.
• Install aerators on all taps to reduce the amount of water used.
• Avoid the use of running water while brushing teeth, shaving, or cleaning dishes.
• Take shorter showers and use the two-minute timer.
• Collect rainwater for outdoor tasks such as watering plants and lawns.
• Use buckets instead of a hose to wash your car.
• Collect greywater for use in the garden.
Coming together we can all make an effort to conserve water, do our part in protecting our environment and promote a sustainable water supply. Every day, every choice we make in regards to water use is making a huge difference.
