A burgeoning global population combined with climate change is creating water scarcity and water shortages all over the world, and it is up to every single occupant of this planet to save water, whether you live in a water-scarce region or not, otherwise the future looks very bleak and very dry.

Water saving does not take that much of an effort, just an awareness, using common sense and not taking this life-giving and life-sustaining resource for granted anymore.

It is easy to feel overwhelmed as to how to make a difference and as with so many other problems that the world is facing, when overwhelmed we tend to end up doing nothing because we are not sure of what to do or that what we can do will make a difference.

The easiest way to save water is to start off with some easy steps – remember, doing this will save water and save on your water bill, and if everyone does the same then we stand a good chance of saving the planet’s water for future generations:

  1. Be water wise and purchase water-efficient devices and water-saving appliances.
  2. Capture rain water from gutters to use in your garden and invest in a rain water tank.
  3. Close the tap when brushing your teeth.
  4. Do not overfill or excessively backwash your swimming pool
  5. Don’t leave the shower running; wet yourself, switch the shower off, lather up then switch on to rinse
  6. Ensure all taps are fully closed and replace tap washers regularly. A dripping tap can waste 30 litres a day
  7. Fit tap aerators to reduce and spread the flow. This saves water yet feels like you are using the same amount of water.
  8. Harvest laundry rinse cycle water to flush the loo
  9. Install a low-flow showerhead
  10. Install a new water-saving toilet.
  11. Make your garden water-wise by planting indigenous drought-resistant plants which require minimal watering.
  12. Mulch flowerbeds to help retain moisture in the soil for longer.
  13. Only water your garden very early in the morning or after sunset to reduce unnecessary evaporation.
  14. Plug the sink when shaving rather than rinsing your razor under running water.
  15. Put a bucket in the shower and collect grey water that you can use to water your garden or flush the toilet
  16. Shower rather than bath – a half-filled bath uses 113 litres of water, while a 5-minute shower uses about 56 litres.
  17. Thaw frozen foods in the fridge at room temperature, in a basin of water, or in a microwave rather than placing them under running water.
  18. Use a bucket or watering-can instead of a hosepipe for washing your car!
  19. Use grey water in a bucket to wash your car
  20. Use the economy cycle on your dishwasher and washing machine to save water and energy

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