As the days get warmer, the use of water increases. Conserving water is always important, but becomes especially vital during summer, especially because it’s a busy festive season. Apart from the everyday usage of water, a large portion of water is used in the garden. With just a few simple steps, you can reduce your water usage this summer.
- Plants that help you save
Plant a succulent garden that doesn’t require daily watering as these little plants are made to grow in arid (dry) environments which means that they have very fleshy leaves that store their water source, resulting in needing very little water to survive and thrive. A great tip for watering indoor plants is to water them in the shower when you’re waiting for the water to heat up – it’s important to not waste that cold water! - Use your plastic bottles
Why not turn an old 2lt bottle into a DIY catchment system? Drip irrigation can be done with plastic bottles that you have lying around or that you usually throw away. Plastic bottles can be reused in various different ways. All you need to do is make small holes in the bottle cap and then bury it in the soil (with the top/cap upside down) in order to create a dripping effect to water your little garden box. Here are instructions for setting this system up:
- Cut off the bottom of the bottle.
- Make 3-4 small holes in the bottle cap.
- Dig a hole next to the plants or groups of plants that is deep enough to position the bottle. A third of the container should be buried.
- Once the bottle is in position, pour water into the container.as an efficient and effective way to water your plants this summer.
- Effective Utility Management
Water conservation is a top priority when renting out property. During the blistering hot summer months which doubles up as the festive season (which means extra guests and parties), there is always an increase of water usage that can leave landlords and tenants with a hefty utility bill come month end. And if tenants over-splurged during the holiday season, a high water bill may not be within budget. The best way to circumnavigate this problem is by installing prepaid meters. Prepaid water meters let’s tenants pay for their water on a “pay-before-you-use” basis. This means tenants can set their monthly water budget to X and buy a token for that amount only. Monitoring usage through an online portal is a great way to know when to reduce consumption.
- Don’t use your toilet as a bin
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue, or other small bit of trash down your toilet, you’re wasting gallons of water. Put them in the garbage, or better yet, recycle. - Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors
Water saving shower heads is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money at the same time. By installing water saving shower heads and tap connections, you can significantly reduce the amount of water you use each month and thereby reduce your utility bill. According to Hunter Water, a water efficient showerhead can save more than 26 litres of water for an average 7 minute shower, which is more than 9,000 litres of water per person in the household per year.
Water conservation is essential, even in regions where water is in abundance. Apart from reducing your water bills, you can help minimise water pollution in your local lakes, rivers, and watersheds. The goal of water conservation is not only to reduce your water usage, but to use water wisely.
