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100 ways to conserve water

Discussion in 'Healthy Living' started by 4mangopeople, Feb 15, 2010.

  1. 4mangopeople

    4mangopeople Silver IL'ite

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    Hello to all

    There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with me.


    • When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
    • Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
    • Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
    • Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full.
    • Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
    • Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
    • Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
    • Plant in the rainy season when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

    • Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
    • Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
    • Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
    • Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
    • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
    • Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
    • If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
    • We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
    • If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
    • Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
    • When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
    • Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
    • Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
    • Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
    • When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
    • Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste

    • When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
    • Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
    • Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
    • Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
    • Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
    • Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

    • Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive.
    • Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
    • When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
    • Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
    • Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
    • Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
    • Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
    • Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
    • Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
    • To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
    • Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
    • Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
    • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
    • Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
    • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
    • Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
    • Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
    • If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
    • Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
    • Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
    • Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
    • If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
    • Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water.
    • If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
    • When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
    • When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
    • Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
    • Bathe your young children together.
    • Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
    • Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
    • Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.

    • Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
    • Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
    • Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car.
    • Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
    • If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
    • Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
    • Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
    • Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
    • Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
    • Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
    • Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
    • Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
    • One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.
    • Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
    • Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
    • When shopping for a new washing machine compare resource savings among Energy Star models.
    • Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
    • Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
    • When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
    • Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
    • Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
    • When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
    • If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
    • To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
    • While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
    • When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
    • For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
    • Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
    • When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
    • Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line.
    • Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
    • When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
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  2. ganges

    ganges Gold IL'ite

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    dear mango,

    great effort. promised to follow all.


    ganges
     
  3. 4mangopeople

    4mangopeople Silver IL'ite

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    Hi Ganges

    Let us together promise to conserve water in our own possible way. Let's hope others join us .
     
  4. meenakshirajan

    meenakshirajan Silver IL'ite

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    Hi,
    Very useful information. Will definitely try to follow.
    Meenakshi
     
  5. hemadurga

    hemadurga Bronze IL'ite

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    responsible initiative... water is invaluable with summer staring at us already !!

    already know some of them, but most points u have summed up are new and useful..

    will follow in whatever ways possible and teach my family too..
     
  6. 4mangopeople

    4mangopeople Silver IL'ite

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    Hi meenakshirajan

    Thanks for sharing same views. World needs more people like you.
     
  7. 4mangopeople

    4mangopeople Silver IL'ite

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    Hi hemadurga

    Thanks for your beautiful reply. One more feather is added in our cap. Together let us spread the awareness.
     

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