Water shortage is not a myth and therefore, it is something that we all have to take seriously. It may not be happening where you are right now, but it certainly can in the future. Conserving water is paramount since we have limited sources. It is our responsibility to contribute to the conservation of this natural resource since it is very critical for our environment. It can also help us tremendously in reducing the costs of our monthly utility bills. There are many ways to save water around your home.

Here are some tips to help you out:

1. Turning off the faucet when you are in the process of brushing your teeth, lathering with soap or while shaving is a good way to start. A running spout uses up to nine liters of water per minute.

2. Make it a habit to always keep a jug of water and put it in the fridge so you can get some if you are in the mood for a cold drink.

3. Instead of turning on the tap and directly washing fruits and vegetables, use a container or basin instead. You can use the wastewater to water your plants after. You can also thaw frozen meat in your refrigerator overnight instead of using running water.

4. Did you know that some new models of washing machines use less than seven liters of water for each kilogram of clothes?

Modernized dishwashers can use 10 to 15 liters of water per each cycle. It’s better to hold off until you have a full load before using these machines. This can certainly help lower the water bill costs each month.

5. Installing low-flush toilets can help reduce water usage by up to 50%. Make sure you have water-saving devices in your toilet cistern. This could potentially save about one to three liters whenever you flush the toilet.

6. Taking a five-minute shower consumes about 40 liters of water. Standard baths use twice as much as water. So take a shower instead.

7. Hosepipes and garden sprinklers left running can use up to 1,000 liters of water per hour. Using water cans for your garden is more ideal if you are serious about conserving water at home. Never leave your garden sprinklers on for the entire day, instead of using shut-off timers or on-off timers is highly suggested.

8. Avoid over-watering your plants in anticipation of a shortage. Soil cannot store extra water.

9. Rainwater can be used to water your plants. Find ways to collect some of your roofs especially during the rainy seasons. You can also consider using a water butt since it can store up to 200 liters of water.

10. Greywater collected from bathing or washing can also be reused for washing your car or cleaning your garage.

11. Do a routine check on your property regularly to check for leaks on your internal plumbing. Fixing dripping tanks, showerheads, pipes, faucets, and hoses is beneficial in reducing your water and sewerage bills per month.