How to Save and Recycle Water at Home

Water is a precious resource. These water-saving tips can contribute to the conservation of this valuable resource and reduce monthly water bills.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bucket
• Water-storage container
• Mulch
• High-efficiency washing machine
• Low-flow shower heads
• Low-flush toilets

1. Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth, wash your hands or shave. If you're shaving, rather fill the sink or basin with the required amount of water.

2. 
    
   Low-flow shower head and toilet

   Shower rather than bath. Install low-flow shower heads to reduce your water consumption. Consider installing low-flow or dual flush toilets.

3. 
    
   Dishwashers are water efficient

   Rather than wash dishes by hand, invest in a dishwasher - they use far less water and energy.

4. 
    
   High efficiency front-loader

   Consider investing in a high efficiency front-loading washing machine. These machines are environmentally friendly, using water (and energy) more efficiently, thereby reducing household costs. If possible, only run your washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.

5. Check to see if you have any leaking or dripping faucets. Make sure that all the faucets are closed and no-one is using any water (i.e. showering, bathing or flushing the toilet) and check the water meter - if it ticks over, you have a leak. Locate the source of the leak and fix it immediately.

6. 
    
   Home-made water storage container

   Collect all the cold water for showering, bathing or washing dishes in a bucket or watering can. Even water left over from boiling eggs can be recycled. If the water is not used immediately, you can store it in your own home-made water storage container. Ensure all water containers are covered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water. Use the collected or stored water to irrigate indoor plants, the garden or lawn, hand-wash clothes or shoes, to clean, or to wash the car.

7. 
    
   Collect water from aircon outlets

   Collect water from overflow pipes from hot water tanks or geysers and from air-conditioning outlets to water the lawn or garden.

8. 
    
   Mulch your garden

   Mulch your garden with wood chips or grass cuttings to prevent water loss. Plant a water-wise garden by selecting plants that grow under dry conditions. If irrigating, do so in the early morning or late evening, otherwise most of the applied water will be evaporated before the plant roots have access to them. If irrigating the garden with a hosepipe, ensure there are no holes or leaks in the pipe.

9. Invest in a rain barrel connected to a downpipe that collects water from the roof after rainfall events.