Practical Tips on How to Conserve Water
Did you know that 780 million people lack basic drinking water access? That’s more than one of every 10 people in the planet. And 2.3 billion people live without access to basic sanitation. So if you’re one of the lucky ones who live in the earth’s regions with seemingly never-ending supply of water, think of the others who do not even have access to any water source. We are in a global water crisis and parts of the earth which used to have flowing rivers have gone dry. Learn to save water with these practical tips.
Turn off the faucet while you brush your teeth
You only need a few glasses of water when you brush your teeth. Stop wasting water by mindlessly letting it flow while you brush your teeth.
Turn off water as you shampoo or lather your body with soap
Same as turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth, you won’t believe the amount of water you can save by turning off the shower as you shampoo or lather your body with soap. This practice actually saves you 150 gallons a month. If you think that’s a lot of saving on your monthly bill, imagine how much water is saved if every household does the same.
Water plants only as needed
Do not overwater plants. Only water plants as much as the soil can absorb to stay moist. Overwatering your plants can leave the roots to rot and eventually kill the plants.
Keep water flowing at moderately when washing your hands or the dishes
Use water in moderate flow when you wash your hands and when you do the dishes. Not only does this practice conserve water, it also avoids the unnecessary splatter of water on your bathroom or kitchen floor.
Use rice wash to water plants
Plants love rice wash water. Its high starch content acts like a natural fertilizer and can provide energy to beneficial soil bacteria.
Aerate your soil
Compacted soil doesn’t give your plants adequate access to oxygen and can stun root growth and trap carbon dioxide. Tilling your soil improves water drainage allowing the roots to breathe and absorb nutrients better.
Repair leaking pipes and replace leaking faucets
It may seem meager, but water wasted from leaking pipes and faucets can still increase your water bill. But more than that, it can damage your homes and can cause molds and mildew and may even contaminate water that flows through your tap. Even if you have a home water filtration system, if the leak is in your faucet, the water you drink may still get contaminated. Installing a reliable faucet water filter like SJ Wave gives you that peace of mind that the water you drink is free from contaminants that may be harmful to your health.
Soak pots and pans for a few minutes before washing them
Don’t stress yourself and waste water in trying to scrape off burnt pans in running water. Soaking your soiled pots and pans in water for a few minutes will make it easier to scrape off food scraps. For burnt pots and pans, soak in a mixture of vinegar, water and baking soda and bring to boil for a few minutes. Use a sponge or scouring pad to scrub away remaining bunt-on bits.
Wash your vegetables in a basin instead of running water from the tap
Stop wasting water by letting water run through your tap when you wash your favorite fruits and vegetables. Instead, soak them in a basin of water with a few teaspoons of baking soda for a few minutes and see how much dirt is left at the bottom of the basin. Strain the water and make a final soak in another basin full of water.
Water your plants early in the morning
Maximize water absorption in your plants by watering them early in the morning when temperatures are cooler and evaporation is minimized.
Install a rainwater harvesting system
Rainwater is undoubtedly the best water for your plants; but it can also be used for a lot of uses like cleaning your patios and driveways. Set up a rainwater collection system with a simple downspout bypass and a barrel to collect rainwater. You may bring it to the level by installing a bigger more complex water storage to take advantage of free rainwater.
Defrost food in the chiller overnight rather than in running water
The proper way of thawing your meats is placing them in the chiller overnight. This allows your meat to slowly defrost while still keeping it in low temperature to keep its freshness. Soaking your frozen meats in running water is a total waste of water; and doing so only lets the meat absorb more water and changes the meat’s texture.
Use remaining drinking water to water plants
Don’t throw away left over drinking water in your glass after meals. Use it to water your household plants. You may also use it to rinse your dishes before washing them.
Consider dual-flush water closet
A dual-flush toilet is best for eco-friendly and water saving plumbing options. It drives lower water usage in your home, thereby saving money on your water bill. And since, your toilet is one of the most used in your household, the cost savings you make is definitely worth opting for a dual-flush water closet.
There are more ways to conserve water, but these handy tips may just be what you need to start. And make sure you only have clean, pure and healthy water at home. Visit SJ Wave’s website and learn more about complete home water solutions.