ScienceSaving Water
Less than 1% of water available on the earth is drinkable by humans and this amount is not increasing. However, there is a growing population, so with the more people needing the use out of the same amount of water, it is important everyone does their bit to minimise wastage.
Why save Water
Within the UK drinking water reserves are held in water reservoirs by the various water companies. Droughts warnings are issued when these reserves start getting low. This could be as a result of increased usage, either due to leaks or increase in population, or as a result of low rainfall to replenish the reserves. As a lot of water comes from ground water, when there are water shortages, as well as affecting us, it can also affect the wildlife and plants. As well as doing your bit for the environment, it can also lead to considerable financial savings.
Where Does Wastage Occur?
Water wastage occurs where too much water is used to complete a task. For example, using more water than required to do the washing up, brushing your teeth etc.
Another type of wastage is the waste of fresh water. For example, do plants need to be watered with water directly from the tap? Why not re-use washing up water or use a water butt to collect rain water.
How Can I Save Water?
The number of ways you can save water are endless, however, here are a few examples of ways you can save water in and around the home:
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Get a Water Butt. A water butt can be used to collect rainwater off the roof of your house which can be in turn used to water the garden. Apart from the small coast to first buy the water butt this just becomes a constant saving from not using the tap!
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Use a bowl in a sink. When washing up, use a bowl rather than directly filling the sink to use less water.
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Drink cold water from a jug in the fridge. This saves you having to run the tap for a while and wasting water whilst it cools down.
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When brushing your teeth, turn off the tap so water you’re not using doesn’t disappear down the plug hole.
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Take a 5 minute shower rather than a bath. This uses less water and could save you time!
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When washing a car use a bucket and sponge rather than a hosepipe. The dirty water can also be put on the garden afterwards.
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If you must use a hosepipe, have a spray nozzle fitted so what can only come out when you want it to.
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Put in you toilet cistern a water saving device or ‘hippo’. This will reduce the amount of water that is used every time a flush is made.
How Can I Encourage Others to do Their Bit?
Although you may easily adapt your lifestyle, getting others to change may not be so easy. You could show them some of the posters we’ve put together, or point out the financial savings they could be making just from simple changes.