How to Save and Recycle Water at Home

Every drop of water is important to both your water bill and the environment.

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

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

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

3. Use or invest in a dishwasher. They use far less water than washing dishes by hand.

4. Invest in a high-efficiency front-loading washing machine. These machines are environmentally friendly, using water (and energy) more efficiently, thereby reducing household costs.

5. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when you have a full load.

6. Check for any leaking or dripping faucets. After noting that all the faucets are closed and no one is using any water, watch the water meter; if it ticks over, you have a leak. Locate the source of the leak and fix it immediately.

7. 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. Use the collected or stored water to irrigate indoor plants, the garden or lawn; handwash clothes or shoes; wash the car.

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

9. Mulch your garden with wood chips or grass cuttings to prevent water loss.

10. Plant a water-wise garden by selecting plants that grow under dry conditions.

11. Irrigate 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.

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

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure all water containers are covered to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in stagnant water.

References

• EPA: At Home and in the Garden