Water-saving strategies

by Jan Barker

Water, a precious resource, now more vital than ever as summer approaches, calls for a renewed dedication to conservation.

THE KITCHEN

Optimize water efficiency in the kitchen with simple adjustments.

  • Avoid leaving taps running while using the sink.  Instead, fill your sink with water and reuse it for various tasks.
  • Consider installing tap aerators on your kitchen mixer or taps.  These are designed to simulate high pressure by dragging air through and cutting the flow of water from your tap by fifty percent without reducing water pressure.  
  • Modern dishwashers can effectively clean dishes without the need for pre-rinsing.  If you feel the need to pre-rinse out of habit, fill the sink with water and use the same water to rinse all the dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
  • Being mindful of cooking practices can help you save water.  Use a bowl of water to scrub vegetables in the sink, then repurposed that water for watering plants.  Choose cooking methods like steaming, cooking in the microwave or using a pressure cooker, all these methods require less water.

THE BATHROOM

Optimize your water usage in the bathroom with our eco-friendly solutions

  • By shortening your shower time you can significantly save water.  Each minute in the shower uses approximately 12 litres of water.  If a typical household of four people shorten their showers by one minute each, that's a saving of 48 litres of water right there!  Set the timer on your phone and challenge yourself and others to reducing your shower time.
  • Place a watering can/bucket in the shower when warming up the shower.  This water can be used for watering your plants around the house in stead of going down the drain. It's a win-win.
  • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving.  Again, this can save you considerable amount of water.  What is the point of leaving the tap running while you brush your while pearlers.
  • Check your toilets regularly for leaks.  A leaking toilet can waste about 80 litres of water a day.  If your cistern is running into the pan, this is a leak! 
  • For new toilet installations, take time to consider water-efficient dual-flush toilets.  

THE LAUNDRY

Optimize your water usage in the laundry with water saving tips.

  • Consider replacing top-loader washing machines with front-loader washing machines.  Front-loading washing machines typically use about 50 less water, making them a water-efficient choice.  Use economy settings on your washing machine and consider reducing the wash to one rinse cycle for additional water savings.
  • Washing a full load.  If you must do a small load, ensure your washing machine is set to low water use or a short cycle.
  • Avoid over washing your clothes, this will also help extend the life of your clothing and save water by only washing when it is necessary.

 

 

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