Be Water Wise - water conservation and you

“Be Water Wise”

Like all natural resources we don’t have an endless supply of water. It is especially important in the summer months that we make a concerted effort to conserve water.

Water Saving Ideas for your home

  • Don’t leave a tap running unnecessarily.
  • Don’t fill your bath to the top-and if possible take a shower instead. A bath can use up to ten times more water than a shower.
  • Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth (save up to 10 litres!). Use a glass of water to rinse your mouth.
  • Plug the sink when washing your hands and face.
  • Fill your washing machine and wash only full loads-the same goes for your dishwasher.
  • Never wash dishes under a running tap-use the plug or a bowl.
  • Repair any leaks or dripping taps promptly-a dripping tap can waste up to 91 litres per day.
  • Insulate your hot water cylinder and hot water pipes.
  • Go easy on that hose!-use a bucket of water to wash your car.
  • Water the lawn only if needs be. Don’t end up watering the wall and the footpaths as well!
  • Never water on a windy, rainy or very hot day.

What else can I do?

  • A plastic bottle or dam in your toilet cistern

The average toilet uses 9-14 litres per flush. A plastic bottle or dam placed in the cistern can reduce that amount considerably and save several litres per day.

  • Use a tap aerator

These are simple attachments, which can be fitted easily, producing a soft bubbly water stream. Aerators can also cut water usage by 50%

  • Install a low-flow showerhead-

An inexpensive low flow showerhead reduces water usage in showers by up to 50% or more.

  • Be sure your hose has a shut off nozzle-

Your hose should never be left on unnecessarily. Hoses without a nozzle can spout over 20 litres of water per minute. An inexpensive nozzle will eliminate wastage.

 

For more water conservation tips and information please visit www.taptips.ie