Water is the natural resource that we need the most but value very little. We have been recklessly wasting it and that has led to a reduction in underground water level. Sounds scary right? It is high time we start following these simple ways to save and conserve water in daily life and encourage others to do the same.
Simple Ways to Save and Conserve Water in Daily Life
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, with 2.5% of the Earth’s freshwater being inaccessible. Only 0.5% of the Earth’s total water constitutes available fresh water.
Now, let’s take a look at the ways to avoid wastage of water at home and in other places.
1. Only run the dishwasher when it’s fully loaded to maximize efficiency and minimize water use by waiting for a full load.
2. Install WaterSense faucet fixtures to reduce water flow without sacrificing functionality.
3. Going to plant-based food might lower the water footprint, animals like cows through which beef is produced have the highest water footprint.
Cross-reference: The Water Footprint of Beef: Industrial vs. Pasture-Raised
4. Consume more foods that contribute to a lower water footprint such as soy, oat milk, lentils, whole grains, chickpeas, nuts, and beans
5. Running your faucet for 5 minutes during dishwashing wastes 10 gallons of water. Use a timer and limit water use.
6. One of the ways to save water at home is using high-energy star-rated dishwasher.
7. Scrape dishes instead of rinsing. Save water by skipping pre-rinsing before placing dishes in the dishwasher.
8. For the foods struck at the bottom, soak pots and pans before washing, then proceed to scrub and make dishwashing more efficient.
9. Use a basin for washing fruits and vegetables and reuse it for various purposes in the household.
10. Don’t throw away the pasta cooked water, cool it down, and use it to water plants.
11. While doing dishes with hands, avoid running water. Firstly scrub and then wash the dishes.
12. Use a personalized glass or bottle for each person in the family so that you avoid washing an extra 10 glasses every day.
13. Steaming vegetables and greens at the top of the rice pot will save extra dishes from washing too.
14. While cooking select appropriately sized cookware to avoid wastage of water.
15. Running the garbage disposal requires water to flush away food scraps. By using it sparingly and only when necessary, you minimize the frequency of water usage.
16. If your greasy container is worn out don’t struggle to get it clean, dispose and get a new one, the coat worn out is not good for your gut.
17. Run the dishwasher during off-peak times. Conserve water by using appliances during low-demand periods.
18. Consider refilling the toilet tank with wastewater from the dishwasher. Additionally, you can opt to run the dishwasher with rainwater, collected separately.
19. Most dishwashers use booster heaters to heat water from the home’s water tank. Lowering the tank temperature to 65° not only enhances energy efficiency but also ensures cleanliness is maintained.
20. Try composting kitchen waste in the home, so garbage disposal is reduced to save water. These days counter composters are also available in the market.
Also, take a look at our comparison guide – Reencle Vs. Lomi: Which Food Composter Should You Buy?
21. For a water boiler or a coffee maker use the measuring cup as we do to rice and pasta, this avoids excess water boiling and wastage
22. The average American shower lasts about 8 mins and the showerhead has a water flow of 2.1 gallons per minute. You can reduce this water wastage if you limit this to 5 minutes.
23. Upgrading inefficient toilets with WaterSense-labeled models can result in an annual savings of 13,000 gallons of water and a reduction of $130 in water expenses for the average family.
24. Update your high water flow showers to WaterSense-certified ones. An average family can save 2700 gallons of water annually if these showers are used.
25. Invisible leaks can be detected by using a dye test. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait without flushing. If the color appears in the bowl, there is a silent leak.
26. An instant water heater would be beneficial in bathrooms instead of running hot water until you use it.
Also See: 15+ Best Solar Water Heaters
27. Household leaks can result in the wastage of nearly 900 billion gallons of water yearly. So, regularly check for leaks in faucets, toilets, and pipes to prevent unnecessary water loss.
28. Make use of water-saving aerators for the faucets.
29. Showering in a bucket can be followed when fresh water is scarce. This is one of the effective ways you can prevent water wastage.
30. When you do your handwash, turn off the tap while you lather.
31. Steam showers use less water than traditional bathing. This way you can save water in bathrooms.
32. You can recycle greywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry) for reuse in toilet flushing or watering plants.
33. Use dual-flush toilets that have full flush for solid waste and partial for liquid waste.
Also, check out Most Water-Efficient and Sustainable Toilets.
34. Install low-flow faucets and showerheads. These fixtures regulate water flow, maintaining efficiency while reducing water consumption.
35. Insulating hot water pipes helps water heat up faster, reducing the need to let the tap run while waiting for hot water. This practice saves both water and energy.
36. Opt for eco-friendly cleaning products that minimize the need for excessive flushing. Harsh chemicals can require more water for rinsing.
37. While you are shampooing and conditioning your hair, turn off the shower.
38. While brushing your teeth twice a day make a habit of turning off the tap while doing it. This will save you 8 gallons of water every day.
39. While shaving, use a personalized container of water instead of running the tap.
40. If outdoor spaces like lawns have a wet spot and it is increasing day by day, it is an underground leak that needs to be fixed.
41. Always turn off taps and faucets after usage in public bathrooms. This will conserve water resources and reduce its wastage.
Cross-reference: Bengaluru’s water crisis is a stark reminder of a looming global threat
42. Run your washing machine when you have a full load. If you need clothes urgently, consider handwashing a few items.
43. Opt for air drying whenever possible. Hang clothes on a line or use a drying rack instead of relying solely on the dryer.
44. Pre-treating stains before washing allows you to use less water and detergent, reducing the need for additional washing cycles.
45. Invest in high-efficiency washing machines and dryers so that you can stop wasting water and energy.
46. Keep a watch on clothes that are not that dirty, sometimes we stuff all the clothes that are not even half dirty.
47. We don’t need to use wash towels after every use. Air dry them and reuse them.
48. Most of our clothes, especially daily wear, don’t need a one-hour wash. A 15-minute wash or a short cycle on your machine is sufficient.
49. Fix leaks in a washing machine that can cause water to leak from the drum and result in plumbing issues.
Also, check out How Many Amps Does a Washing Machine Use?
50. Select plants that are well-adapted to your local climate and require less water. Choose drought-resistant plants that can thrive with minimal irrigation.
51. Apply a layer of organic mulch to conserve soil water by reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, and maintaining a more consistent soil temperature.
52. Arrange plants with similar water requirements together. This hydrozoning ensures more efficient watering.
53. Prepare the watering schedule, preferably during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
54. Install drip irrigation systems that deliver water directly to the base of plants, minimizing wastage.
55. Set up rain barrels or other rainwater harvesting systems to collect and store rainwater for watering plants.
Also, take a look at the Disadvantages of Rainwater Harvesting.
56. Use a soil moisture meter to gauge when your garden needs watering. Overwatering can be as harmful as underwatering.
57. If using sprinklers, adjust them to water plants and soil, not sidewalks or driveways. Ensure that the water is directed where it’s needed most.
58. Opt for porous surfaces in your garden, such as gravel or permeable pavers. This allows rainwater to penetrate the soil instead of running off, for better absorption.
59. Watering on windy days can lead to uneven water distribution. Wait for calmer weather to make sure water reaches the intended areas without wastage.
60. Make use of rain by creating rain gardens or directing roof runoff to planted areas, this also reduces the need for supplemental irrigation.
61. Mix compost into the soil to improve its water retention capacity.
62. Use water-efficient sprinklers to reduce water waste in outdoor irrigation systems operating under higher pressure conditions.
63. After gardening, use a broom instead of a hosepipe to clean floors or outdoors and save water.
64. For planters like hanging pots and succulents use ice cubes for watering.
65. In the rainy season, turnoff sprinklers to save and conserve water in daily life.
66. Frequent weeding of your lawn and garden is essential to minimize the demand for soil water.
Also Read: 10+ Lesser Known Disadvantages of Vertical Gardening
67. Xeriscaping encourages landscaping, which uses water as little as possible.
68. If you like fountains, choose ones that have trickling or cascading water and don’t lose as much water to the air as spray fountains do.
69. When setting up your swimming pools, fountains, or ponds, consider recirculating pumps for enhanced efficiency and water conservation.
70. An exposed 500 sq. ft. swimming pool can lose 12,000 to 31,000 gallons of water annually through evaporation. Using a pool cover reduces this wastage.
71. Backwashing is necessary to clean pool filters, but excessive backwashing can lead to water waste.
72. Install a pool skimmer to help remove debris and contaminants from the water’s surface. This reduces the need for backwashing and maintains water quality.
73. Encourage pool users to minimize excessive splashing to save and conserve water in swimming pools.
74. Make use of the nearest community pool with your friends and peers. It is like a carpooling option for transport.
75. Limit the use of water features, such as fountains/waterfalls, as they increase evaporation and water loss. If used, operate them during off-peak hours.
76. Opt for a home car wash with an automatic shut-off nozzle that covers only 30 gallons per 10 minutes.
77. Opt for commercial car washes that are often designed to be water-efficient compared to traditional home washing.
78. An average home car wash that lasts for 10 minutes would consume 100 gallons of water. Instead of running a hose, fill a bucket with soapy water and use a sponge/cloth.
79. Spot cleaning is an efficient way to address specific areas without washing the entire car.
80. Instead of washing car mats along with the entire car, clean them separately, this way you can save water during car washing.
81. Park your car on absorbent surfaces, such as gravel or grass, when washing. This allows water to penetrate the ground.
82. One of the simple ways to conserve and save water in daily life is to encourage kids to turn off faucets when they are not actively using water.
83. Establish a reasonable shower time for kids, use a timer, or play a favorite short song to make it fun.
84. If using a kiddie pool, emphasize the importance of not overfilling it. Set a water level limit and teach kids not to waste water while playing.
85. After receiving the bottles back from school, pour the remaining water onto the plants.
86. Monitor and regulate the water level in your pet’s bowl. Avoid overfilling it, and refill only when necessary.
87. Place your pet’s water bowl in a shaded area to prevent evaporation. This ensures that the water stays cool and reduces the need for frequent refills.
88. Organize a fun arts and crafts activity where kids can create posters or drawings illustrating water-saving tips.
89. Carry your bottle from home, and refill it once used. Provide filtered water stations to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles.
90. Share your family/organization’s monthly water consumption publicly to track progress toward water-saving objectives.
91. Opt for air-cooled appliances instead of water-cooled alternatives to maximize water conservation efforts.
92. Establish water-saving policies in the office, such as turning off water sources during holidays or weekends.
93. Volunteer to maintain regular checks, including upgrades to faucets, toilets, and urinals, fixing leaks, and tracking water bills during fortnightly verification.
94. Set clear water-saving goals for the company and plan a celebratory event once those goals are successfully achieved.
95. Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of water conservation. Use community newsletters, social media, and local events to share tips and information.
Cross-reference: Impacts of major water safety campaigns: play it safe by the water 1997 to 2007
96. Some states are offering discounts or rebates for installing water-saving appliances and rainwater harvesting systems.
97. Initiate adopt-a-river or adopt-a-stream programs to involve community members in the maintenance and conservation of local water bodies. A few such programs are Freshwater, Adoptariversa, and Adoptarivertt.
98. Establish community gardens in the colony and parks that promote water-efficient gardening practices.
99. Work with local authorities to implement water-efficient infrastructure such as smart irrigation systems, leak detection technologies, and upgrading public facilities with water-saving fixtures.
100. Organize friendly competitions within the community to see who can achieve the highest water savings. Recognize and reward participants.
If we all adopt these practices to save and conserve water in daily life, we can create a more water-resilient future for generations to come. The practical tips outlined above can also guide us to reduce water pollution for a sustainable life.
