20 Easy Ways to Save Water this Summer

As Summer 2015 digs its sweaty paws into Chennai and residents continue to moan about power fluctuations, it might be hard to imagine that we still have one little thing that we take for granted - hopping into a cold shower anytime we want! But what if everything those public service campaigns have been telling us about water scarcity, happens overnight? Would we be able to survive that summer? Let’s not find out.

Here are twenty simple ways in which you can conserve water and ensure that no matter how hot it gets, Chennaiites will always have those cold showers to look forward to:

1. Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
2.  Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 1000 litres a month or more.
3.  Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 570 litres per month.
4.  Use the stopper in the wash basin to fill about two inches of water. Better yet, use a bowl of water. Rinse your razor in it.Turning off the water while you shave can save upto to 1000 litres a month.
5.  Keep a bucket in the shower so you don’t waste water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
6.  Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
7.  For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
8.  Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
9.  Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or dust bin to flush away the cigarette butt or trash.
10.  Fill bottles or a jug with water to use when cooking.
11.  Automatic dishwashers and washing machines should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation.
12.  With washing machines, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load.
13.  New Energy Star rated washers use 35 – 50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
14.  Do not hose down your car to clean it. Use a bucket of water instead. Mop balconies and wipe down tiles.
15.  Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
16.  When cleaning out fish tanks, use the nutrient-rich water for your plants.
17.  Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
18.  Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
19.  Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
20.  Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering!

Let’s join hands in implementing these simple techniques and do our bit for water conservation and preserving the environment for posterity!