Energy is required for potable water and wastewater treatment and transport, so reducing the amount of water consumed and discharged will help to lower the energy needed. Here are some tips to help you save water:
Use Water Saving Products with the Water Efficiency Label
Using water efficient low-flow taps and showerheads will help you to save water. You can also install thimbles in existing taps or adjust the valves to reduce water flow.
You can use a low-capacity or dual-flush toilet that allows you to choose a low flush that uses less water. In addition, flushing the toilet uses up about four litres of water per flush, so flush one less time per day and help save water.
Buy a washing machine that is water efficient. A front loader is more efficient that a top loader. To save water, try to use the washing machine only with a full load. You can also collect the greywater (water that has been used for washing and drained from the washing machine; try using the water from the last rinse) from the washing machine for flushing toilets or watering plants.
Check out water efficient products with the Water Efficiency Label.
.
Check the Water Pipes for Leaks
Conduct a visual check on the water pipes in your house and ensure that they are not leaking. Fix the water leaks immediately as water that is dripping away is money lost. Another way to check for water leaks is to monitor the water meter reading at night and compare it with next morning’s reading. There should be no leaks if there is no change in the water meter readings.
.
Turn the Tap Off While Brushing Your Teeth
Turn the tap off while you brush your teeth and you could save up to 45 litres of water. Consider using a mug and you will only use about 0.5 litres of water.
.
Take a Shorter Shower
Having a shorter shower saves water as showering makes up a significant part of our water usage. If you shower more than once a day, consider showering just once a day.
.
Collect Rainwater
When it rains, you can bring out the pails or other storage containers for collecting rainwater. The rainwater collected can be used for flushing the toilets, watering the plants and even for washing your car. There is no need to use clean drinking water for those purposes. By using rainwater, it would help you save water and money.
If you stay in a flat and do not have space outside your corridor to collect rainwater, you can consider making a simple rainwater collection system. Tie some funnels to a bamboo pole and connect the outlet of each funnel to a plastic hose that leads to your pail. When it rains, put out your bamboo pole and close your windows (leaving a slight opening for the hose). The funnels collect the rainwater and channel it through the hose to the pail. Explore other possible ways to collect rainwater. Be creative and have fun.
Image credit: Water Efficiency Label via PUB.
