Water saving tips

It may have taken us a drought to prove it, but we all undoubtedly know by now that water is our most precious resource. The widespread need for rain across Australia in the last 18 months was a timely reminder to many of us to be more cautious with preventing water wastage.

If you forgot to commit to memory some tips and tricks about ways to save water and become more environmentally conscious, ten ways to save water are listed below to help to jog your memory.

Ten water saving tips

• Use a water miser shower attachment when bathing. Manufacturers have put time and money into ensuring their shower head attachments prevent as much water wastage as possible. The attachment contains less water stream, and focuses more on using pressure. As an added benefit the water miser variety sometimes also come with a massage spray option so that you can save water and shower in comfort.
• Take the 3 minute challenge - Can you shave your legs, wash your hair and soap up in less than 3 minutes? When the drought gripped the nation during 2008 some local government councils distributed egg timers which could be attached to your shower tiles with a suction cap. You flip the timer when turning on the shower and the challenge is to have all of your bathing tasks done before the sand runs out! Taking shorter showers is a great way to cut down on water wastage.
• Fill it up first - Do you have a dishwasher? Tempted just to turn it on and get those few glasses or couple of plates clean each night? Stop right there. Preventing water wastage means being a little more organised and a little less bull-at-the-gate. Ensure your dishwasher is full to the brim before you switch it on - doing less loads will save you gallons of water, and you may notice a welcome change on your rates bill. You do not need to rinse them first as most dishwashers have their own rinse cycle.
• Make use of grey water - Wonder where all of your washing machine water goes to after it has helped to take the soiling out of your clothes? Down the drain, unless you have a grey water scheme in place. You can buy grey water drainage systems from most plumbing stores
• Use your plug - When you're washing vegetables for your evening meal it is tempting to hold them under a running faucet while you peel them. This is not a very conservative measure if you want to save water! Half fill your sink with cold clean water and place the plug in the drain.
• Take a load off - Most washing machines allow you to fill the water only to the level where the clothes, towels or sheets reach. Set your loading dial correctly, use as little water as possible and if you can, choose an economical setting or "quick wash" option.
• Zap it - Instead of filling up large pots with boiling water in order to cook your vegetables, save water by microwaving them in a steamer. The vegetables will retain more vitamins and minerals, and you can save water at the same time.
• Check for leaks - You could be losing valuable water just because of your dodgy leaking taps. Check your indoor and outdoor taps for leaks and drips. If you have a problem you cannot fix, call a plumber and get it tightened up so you do not lose a single drop.
• Under the light of the moon - Don't water your plants in broad daylight. The sun will only sap up the moisture and waste more water. Water your plants by the light of the moon, they will then stay moistened for longer, which is better for your plants, and better for your water preservation statistics.
• Use buckets - to wash your car, boat, to water the plants and for cleaning outside. Try to avoid using the hose.

There are many simple things you can do in your home and garden to help preserve water and reduce water wastage. Once you form some good water savings habits, they will be hard to give up.