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Of the freshwater available, around 68% is found in rivers and glaciers, primarily located at the North and South Poles, while nearly 30% exists as groundwater deep beneath the Earth’s surface.
These points highlight the critical importance of conserving water, a natural resource that is both the essence and the foundation of life on Earth. Therefore, the following will present some of the best ideas for rationalising its consumption.
The kitchen is a primary area where water is used daily, so it's crucial to be mindful of water consumption while cooking and cleaning. Here are some practical tips to help conserve more water in the kitchen:
Washing fruits and vegetables in a bowl rather than under running water, then using that water to irrigate home plants, is a great example of recycling water.
Additionally, you should avoid defrosting frozen food under hot tap water. This method not only wastes a lot of water but is also considered unsafe; it can enhance bacterial growth in the defrosted food, according to the official website of USDA “United States Department of Agriculture.”
You could always use the microwave to defrost the frozen food or put it in the fridge overnight.
Aerators are small metal devices that are easy to install on tap nozzles and can reduce water consumption by up to 50%. They are specifically designed to enhance water efficiency for tasks like dishwashing, vegetable rinsing, or other uses.
These aerators minimise water usage by either reducing the water flow or allowing you to direct the water in any desired direction, which is especially useful when cleaning the sink.
It is advisable to load the dishwasher to its full capacity before starting it and to use the water-saving option if available.
A 2020 study published by the Environmental Research Communications journal confirmed that dishwashers are generally more efficient and consume less water than hand washing.
Modern dishwashers use only 10-20 litres of water, whereas hand washing dishes for roughly 15 minutes, with the tap open most of that time, can consume around 117 litres of water—equivalent to 415 cups of more water!
For instance, you need to avoid washing dishes under running tap water. If you have two sinks, use the first one to scrub the dishes with dishwashing detergent and the second one to rinse them with clean water. Use detergent sparingly to minimize the amount of water needed to rinse off the foam.
Did you know that more than half of household water consumption occurs in the bathroom? To reduce water usage in this area, consider taking the following measures:
On average, a standard tap can consume around 8 litres of water per minute at a high flow rate, leading to substantial wastage if left running.
To reduce this, consider using a cup of water for activities like shaving or teeth brushing instead of letting the tap run.
Additionally, installing a motion-activated tap, which only allows water flow when hands are placed underneath, can further conserve water.
The shower consumes approximately 19 litres of water every two minutes, while filling a bathtub can require over 200 litres.
This significant difference underscores the water-saving benefits of taking showers instead of baths. Nevertheless, it is advisable to shorten shower time to conserve water even further.
The first crucial step in monitoring tank water usage is ensuring there are no leaks in the toilet tank. Additionally, using a displacement bag, a sealed plastic bag designed to be filled with water and placed in the toilet tank, can help reduce water consumption.
Toilet tanks typically account for 25% to 35% of a household's total water usage.
For even greater efficiency, consider installing a modern toilet tank with a dual-flush system, which offers two water flow options for better control over water dispensing.
According to the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, this choice can save around 6 litres of water per use compared to the old toilet tanks, amounting to approximately 10,000 litres of water per person annually.
This can be achieved by following below instructions:
It is advisable to avoid irrigating plants between 10 AM and 6 PM to prevent significant water loss through evaporation, which does not help the plants.
On the contrary, irrigating in the early morning is highly efficient and promotes water conservation, especially if done between 4 AM and 6 AM.
Cultivating plants that do not require constant irrigation is highly recommended because they can endure drought conditions. Sage and rosemary are excellent examples of such plants. For more information about other suitable plants can be researched online, considering the climate and natural conditions of the area.
Modern irrigation systems are now available for home use, equipped with weather sensors that automatically shut off in case of rain or any other weather changes.
Installing drip irrigation systems can also be highly efficient in conserving water. It is highly advisable to inspect those systems monthly to confirm there are no leaks and they are functioning properly.
Many people engage in daily or nearly daily practices that consume significant amounts of water, even though more effective conserving water alternatives are available. Examples of these practices include collecting water from the tap while waiting to reach the desired temperature and using it to water garden plants, clean, or for other purposes.
Additionally, collecting dirty clothes and washing them all at once instead of daily, along with using water- saving options on the washing machine, if available, can significantly reduce water usage.
Other useful measures include using a broom instead of a hose to clean the outdoor patio, mopping floors instead of washing them with water, and washing the car using a bucket of water. This is because a hose consumes 300 litres, whereas a bucket, filled 3-4 times, uses only about 32 litres to fully wash a car.
[1] thirstywork.com, 5 Interesting Facts About Water You Might Not Know
[2] dewa.gov.ae, Sustainability & Conservation Tips
[3] town.billerica.ma.us, Tips for Saving Water Indoors and Outdoors
[4] epa.gov, Start Saving
[5] watereducation.org, WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
[6] moneycrashers.com, Ways to Save Money by Conserving Water (Indoors & Outdoors)
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