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Saving water has become an essentiality today, especially when some places have 24 X 7 water supply, while some places have water only for 3 hours a day. It becomes quiet difficult to understand why water, an element that covers almost 71 % of the earth’s surface, is scarce in several places of the world. But, when we check the conditions of some rural areas or also some modern societies in the metros of India, water comes at a price that is not feasible for all mediocre families. But yes, with our efforts, it is possible to save water and make it available for every individual. Here are some tips on how people can save water in their households and reduce wastage of this expensive natural element.

Saving Water in Households

Kitchen, Laundry and bathroom are the three major places where we use water most. But, if you look at it from another view, these are also the three places where you can save more water. Here are points how you can save water in these three places.

Kitchen

In the kitchen we use almost 10% of the total household water supply for purposes such as cooking, washing, cleaning and drinking. Let’s now see how we can save water in each of these utilities.

–   Washing

Washing dishes and utensils under running water utilizes almost 60L of water. Instead of washing the utensils by hand, it is better to install an energy efficient dish-washer. OR you can have the 2 sink system where you fill one with water and use it to rinse all the utensils. Rinse these utensils again with hot water for perfect cleaning.

You can also ask your maid to use the washing liquid sparingly. This will automatically reduce the usage of water. Also install a ‘Flow Controlled Aerators’ in the taps. This will also reduce the water flow by a massive 50%.

Also insulate all the hot water pipes. This will save water especially when you are waiting for the water to flow. However, make sure that you don’t set the thermostat system very high. As mixing cold water to the hot water would then waste a lot of water. 

–   Cooking

In order to defrost food, don’t use running water. Use the microwave for defrosting your food. OR you may simply boil some water in a bowl and then dip your food container into it for defrosting.

Store the running water instead of letting it go down the drain when waiting for the warm water to come from the taps. Use this water to wash vegetables, fruits. You may also use them for washing the toilets and watering the plants.

Cook vegetables in a container with a lid. You may also use the microwave for boiling vegetables (Microwaves use less water for cooking compared to the conventional methods). Steaming and pressure cooking are also good ways of cooking your food without loosing the essential vitamins and nutrients. They will also save gas, an irreversible energy source.

Laundry

If just 10% of the water is used for cooking and washing vegetables, a huge 15 to 20% is used for laundry. Using an energy efficient washing machine is also a good option for using less water and detergents.

–    Buy a water-efficient washing machine.

–    Check the water and energy efficiency before you buy the machine.

–    Based on the wash load, adjust the water level. Use automatic machines for best results.

–    Use the machine in a few days instead of regular usage. Washing full load clothes will save you almost 10ltr water per wash.

–   Check the taps, pipes and also the toilet whether they are leaking or not. Repair them to avoid water wastage. Dripping water can waste up to 30 to 200ltr water every single day.

Bathroom

Every time we use the washroom, we flush almost half of the water we store from the previous sources. 20% water is flushed out of the toilet. Thus, it is best to use coupled closets or dual flush systems.

The dual flush system discharges 6L water for a full flush and 3L water for a half flush in comparison to a 7.5L of water that is discharged in the common toilet systems. In order to save more water in your bathroom, follow the given tips:

–   Flush the toilet only when needed. This will save 45L water every day.

–   Never use your toilet as an ash-tray or a trash can for disposing wastes. They may clog the pipes and make you flush more water to get rid of the wastes.

–   Check for leakages in the toilet or the pipes. This will help you get rid form the noises and the water wastage.

Choose to have a shower than having a bath. Showers help you have a bath faster than a regular bath. A 5 minute shower is enough for a person to have a proper bath and uses just 56L water per person.

Use a shower timer if you can’t follow the time. Also, when waiting for the water to become hot, use the flowing cold water for other purposes such as watering plants, washing vegetables, etc.

Installing a water efficient showerhead is also a good idea to save both energy and water.

Other Tips

–  When brushing, keep the tap off. Instead, use a glass of water to rinse your mouth rather than keeping the tap on.

–   Use a bucket to wash your car, instead of using a water pipe. This will save upto 19L water per minute.

–   Get a plumber to fix all the leaky knobs, taps and pipes inside and outside of the house.

–   Get the water pressure meter o get a water pressure regulator for controlling the water force in the taps.

–   In restaurants, if you don’t need water, always keep the glass upside down.

Garden

If you have a garden, make sure that you choose only those plants that are environment friendly and not those that need a lot of water. Plan your garden well, choosing areas for certain types of plants. Also make sure you grow plants that adept easily to your climate and environment.

Always water the plants in the early mornings or evenings. Heat makes the plants transpire during the noon. Also, make sure that you never remodel your garden in summer as they may make the soil lose its moisture. Reinvent your garden only during the autumn, before the rains start.

Use pots to grow trees instead of growing them on the soil. Pots help restore the moisture of the plant and do no dry out faster unlike the soil. Keep you garden well trimmed and clean, removing the unwanted weeds is a better option to avoid unnecessary water usage.

Instead of pipes, use sprinklers to sprinkle the water on your plants. This will help save more water.