OK, OK, so maybe this – the wettest summer in recent memory – isn’t the best time to be harping on about conserving water. But don’t let the wet weather fool you, we all need to do our part. If you try just a few of the following tips each day, you could reduce your water consumption drastically. Don’t forget, every drop counts.
When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead.
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save thousands of litres a month.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of dishes you wash.
Don’t use running water to thaw food.
When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.