DIY - Tips for saving water

Saving Water Indoors

1) Many home have hidden water leaks. To verify whether your home is leak free or otherwise, read your water meter before and after two hour period when no water is being use. If the meter does not exactly read the same, there is a leak.

2) Repair leaky faucets washers. A faucet dripping at the rate of one drop per second will amount to 2700 gallons of water wasted per year. This will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.

3) Take shorter showers. Replace shower heads with an ultra-low-flow version.

4) When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

5) Avoid running water over frozen meat or other foods to thaw them out. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

6) If the toilet flush handle sticks in the flush position, letting water to run, fix or replace it.

7) Recycle wash water. Reuse the water you wash rice with to water the plants.

8) One of the easiest thing to do is to not let water run when you brush your teeth.


Saving Water Outdoors

1) Don't over water your garden.

2) Reduce water loss from evaporation by watering lawns during early morning hours, when temperatures and the wind speed are at the lowest.

3) Position your sprinklers so that your water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas such as roads and sidewalks.

4) Use a broom to clean leaves and other debris from your sideway or drivewalk instead of hosing them. Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.

5) Place empty basins outside when it rains. You can use the collected rain water to wash rags and your car.


General Water Saving Tips

1) Report all water losses such as broken pipes, open hydrants, and errant sprinklers to the property owner, local authorities or your Water Management District.

2) Save water even though you are not paying the water bill such as when you are staying at hotel.

3) Be aware of and adhere to all water shortage rules and restrictions which may be in effect in your area.

Article resource : The Star, Saturday 13 June 2009