Tips for saving water

2008/07/07

Saving is rewarding: Tips for saving water

And the chance for readers to win RM1,500 worth of petrol vouchers while saving on expenses, too. (Entry forms are on page 23 of the Monday, July 7, print edition of the New Straits Times.)

1 - Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month. Even better if you bathe using water caught in a pail. Consider bathing young children together.

2 - Turn off the tap when lathering soap, brushing teeth, shampooing, shaving and washing face. Place a bucket to collect excess water when showering. This can be used for other purposes, such as for toilet use.
3 - Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water. Do the same when washing your car.

4 - Use a toilet bowl with a half-flush option and minimise the number of flushes in a day.

5 - Do not use running water to wash vegetables, dishes, clothes and cars. Use water collected in a sink/pail instead. Do not flush water to wash the driveway and sidewalk. Use a broom instead.

6 - Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

7 - When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load. When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments, they’re more water and energy efficient.

8 - Do not over-water the lawn and avoid watering during rainy season. Best to water the garden early in the morning or late evening to avoid evaporation from heat and wind. Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money. Collect rain water to be used for the garden.

9 - Repair leaking taps and toilets and always ensure taps are tightly closed. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks. Check internal water piping regularly and report main distribution leakages to the relevant authorities.

10 - Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults. Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbours.