Water Conservation

The conservation of water both around and within the home has never been more important and there are many ways we can reduce our consumption of water.

Only use your washing machine when you have enough soiled clothes to make up a full load. When buying a washing machine look for the star rating energy efficiency sticker. Buy a washing machine that has a water saver i.e. a pump that allows you to recycle your washing water and apart from saving on water you will be saving on laundry detergent as well.

Recycle grey water to water your garden or lawn.

If you have a fish tank you will know how important it is to change 1/3rd of the water on a regular basis to keep the flora of your fish tank healthy. Be sure to use the discarded water to good use because it contains nutrients that are beneficial to both potted and garden tanks.

Install an energy efficient showerhead and faucet aerators. There are now available 4 minute shower timers.

When you brush your teeth don’t leave the tap running and fill a tumbler with enough water to rinse out your mouth.

Make sure your garden hose has an adjustable jet feature and preferably brass for longevity over the plastic ones. When washing your car use a bucket and a sponge. When rinsing your car make a point of using a hose with a fine jet and turn off the tap after rinsing your car. Donít just throw the running hose on the ground whilst you are washing your car. The environment would benefit if you could go to a car wash where water is recycled.

When planting trees or shrubs in your garden, install a length of black poly-pipe beside the roots, so that it extends marginally above ground level, to allow you easy access, before you fill in the hole. This will enable you to apply water to the roots of shrubs and plants, where it is needed and will prevent water run-off.

There are now available - crystal water beads that you can place within your pot plants to maximize water content and prevent pot plants from drying out.

Install a water tank to save precious rainwater from just running away.

The conservation of water has become a major issue with governments in relation to climate change. You too can do your bit in conserving water and if you have young children and practice active water conservation - they in turn will do the same. Children learn by example, so be a responsible water conservationist - because without sufficient water - our planet will cease to exist and, if our planet cannot sustain us, we too will cease to exist.