As summer is in full swing, and unfortunately our water crisis seems to be looming, we have decided to dedicate this month’s issue to being water-wise and sustainable design methods where saving water has been considered.
Water-wise methods for everyday living
Geyser
- Insulate water pipes.
- Install a solar geyser to assist in the heating of water.
Toilet
- Flush only when necessary.
- Place a closed, flat-based 0.5 litre water bottle in your toilet cistern, away from moving parts, to reduce the amount of water allowed to flow per flush.
- Do not use the toilet as a rubbish bin.
- Check your toilet for leaks.
- If your toilet has a flush handle, once it is flushed pull up the handle or push the float arm downwards, so that less water is allowed to refill the cistern.
Basin
- Turn off the tap while washing your face, shaving or brushing your teeth.
- Fix dripping taps.
- Reduce the water pressure when using the tap.
Shower
- Take five-minute showers, or shorter if possible.
- Shower instead of bath.
- Switch off the water between soaping and rinsing your hair.
- Place a bucket in the shower to collect used water, which can be reused to water lawns or planting surround the house.
Kitchen
- Repair any dripping taps.
- Soak and/or scrape dishes into the dustbin before washing.
- Do not rinse under running water.
- Use melted ice for watering.
- Do not thaw food under running water.
- Only put as much water in your kettle as you need.
Dishwasher
- Full load your dishwasher before use. Use the economy cycle.
- Only use a small amount of water in the sink (once plugged) if washing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher.
- If the dishes have been pre-washed, use a shorter cycle
