We are more aware of our environment than ever. Changes in the global weather patterns and the serious global warming effects have impacted the climate of India faster than imagined. This has posed a threat to our water resources and it won’t be wrong to say that future generations might not be left with a drop of water to drink. As the weather in India is seen changing rapidly with cold winter months turning into warmer months and monsoons going dry, the climate of India might soon witness only the summer season! We all waste water…just think about how long the tap is left running each time you brush your teeth. Saving water now will not just keep some water for our future generations but will also help in saving precious energy and moolah too!
There are a number of ways to save water and they all start with you. These are ten simple ways to save water in our households:
1) Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap. Collect this water to reuse to water plants.
2) Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons/567litres a month. Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install and save large quantities of water.
3) Check for leaks in the toilets, pools and house interiors. Try putting a food coloring substance in your toilet tank; if it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak! Fixing this leak can save up to 1,000 gallons/3785litres a month.
4) Monitor your water bill annually for unusually high use. Your bill and a water meter device are tools that can help you discover leaks, usage and wastage of water. Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions.
5) Parents often teach kids on how to save water and to use it wisely while brushing (we can save 94liters while brushing), but this time also teach them to turn off the faucets tightly after each use. Remember each drop is precious! Also consider brushing your teeth while bathing in the shower.
6) Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and dry weather tolerance. Group plants with the same watering needs to avoid over watering some while under-watering others. Using a rain gauge or using a basic empty can help you track the rainfall on your lawn and reducing your water usage accordingly.
7) Wash your car with plain water on the lawn, and you'll end up watering your lawn at the same time.
8 ) Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
9) Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while the color of your favorite dress remains intact.
10) Look for products bearing the EPA (Water Sense Label) for items that are certified to save 20% water.
Water covers two-thirds of the surface of the Earth, but fresh water is a mere 0.002% on Earth. Don’t let the water run in the sink since our life’s on the brink!!!
Photo by freeaussiestock
