If we look at the definition of water scarcity, we know that it essentially amounts to the lack of availability due to physical shortages and low supply access. It’s also inclusive of the inability of our institutions to facilitate an adequate supply of water due to underdeveloped infrastructure.
But despite how daunting the situation may seem, there are some things we can do in our own home to address the issue — and it’s probably a lot simpler than you think.
Save water, especially in modern times, where the prognostication is that at some point in our future, two-thirds of the world’s population will be facing a water shortage — a sobering reminder that water scarcity is not an exaggerated issue, but a critical issue, one that is exacerbated by climate change and only getting worse. We need to do our part.
Within this article, we will provide you a few tips and tricks you can do to save water on your end.
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10 Easy Ways to Save Water
1. Turn off the faucet:
You probably wash the dishes pretty often, and of course, brushing your teeth is a hygienic ritual (at least let’s hope so). But in the midst of all of this, we usually leave the faucet wide open, which either fills the sink or drains into the great abyss below.
Now imagine if you turned the faucet off while applying dish soap to the dishes, or scrapping the bacteria off of your teeth. If it’s going to give you the exact same results, why not do it! — amazing right?
2. Take shorter showers:
Rather than indulging in those incredibly long baths and showers (which admit it, we’re all guilty of from time to time), why not opt for shorter showers instead? Not only will you save water (and clear your conscience), but your water bill will thank you too. And who knows, maybe you’ll appreciate having a little extra time in the mornings.
3. Make use of a rain barrel:
A rain barrel is an incredibly useful tool to save water. Build one yourself and harness and reuse the rainwater so you can water your lawns and gardens. You’ll prevent street flooding, have gallons upon gallons of free water to use, and keep your plants happy. It’s a win-win!
4. Clean your patio with a broom, not a hose:
If you continually clean your walkway and driveway with a hose instead of a broom — this is probably unnecessary. And no, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t use water on your patio or deck at all, we’re just advocating that you do it less. Instead of cleaning those areas with soap and water every day, limit it to once a week, and utilize a broom for the other 6 days.
5. Fix any leaks:
It’s completely normal to have a toilet, faucet, or shower leak. However, the problem isn’t going to fix itself, and if you don’t take care of it eventually, the leak is just going to get worse. Hidden leaks alone can amount to 3,000 gallons of water lost every year. Not something you want to pay for, right?
It may look like a little drip, but that drip can get expensive. Get it fixed by a plumber, save water, and repurpose it for other things.
6. Keep your swimming pool covered:
This isn’t well known, but it’s essential nonetheless — keep your swimming pools covered to avoid evaporation.
Environmental factors such as humidity, temperature, and the wind can cause your pools to lose an inch of water per week. If you want to prevent having to refill it constantly, put a pool sheet over it. Not only are you conserving water, but you are limiting your expenses too.
7. Keep the hose off when you’re not using it:
This applies to everyone out there who leaves the hose on when they wash their car. You can always ditch the conventional cleaning methods and tilt towards waterless washing instead, but, since that’s probably unlikely, just try to keep the hose off when you’re applying soap or whatever else to your car. It’s an easy thing to do and it’s one of the best ways to cut back and save water.
And for everything else that you use the hose for, same thing. Turn it off when you’re not using it.
8. Run your dishwasher and washing machine on a full load:
In many countries, such as the USA, dishwashers and washing machines are extremely common and essential home appliances. Try to only use them when you have a full load — if the appliance isn’t full, you’re just wasting electricity and water.
9. Buy plumbing fixtures that are water efficient:
If you want to make an upfront investment to save water, water-efficient plumbing fixtures are an excellent idea. If they’re installed properly, you can retain up to 700 gallons of water per day, which will pay huge dividends down the road.
Hence, if you want to keep your water bills low, get some long-lasting, efficient plumbing fixtures.
10. Replace appliances that have gotten old:
In comparison to traditional appliances, new ones have the capacity to save up to 20% more water, and even some toilets can save you a whopping 16,000 gallons. So if you have the financial means to do it, it might be something to consider.
The Bottom Line: There are simple ways to save water but YOU have to take the first step!
Even though policy is the only true fix to the water crisis, you still have the power to make some positive change and save water in your own home. If we’re going to be good stewards of the environment, we need to get our priorities straight.
Water conservation is important no matter where you go, and although the above recommendations seem trivial, it’s the little things that will pave the way for change.
So even if you do just one of these, you’ll have made an effort to sustain the world’s water resources. Remember, it only takes one!
Are there more than 10 easy ways to save water, contact us and let us know!
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