We need to save water in our daily lives because water is life. All life on earth depends on it even in the remotest desert. Water scarcity; a very serious problem is very high and according to UN WATER a whooping 2 billion people live in countries experiencing high water stress and these lack access to clean and safe water.

In Africa alone, children are forced to travel long distances to water sources like wells and springs which are contaminated most of the time or even shared with animals.

Also many people in desert, semi desert and remote rural under privileged areas lack absolute access to clean water and see it as a miracle.

With the exorbitant rise in population, industrialization and agriculture, the demand for water is increasing drastically each passing day.

Water has a majority of uses. We use water in our daily lives at home, farms, at work, in industries; to clean, to cook, to generate energy, to cool machines, to irrigate plants and so forth.

Water is also a habitat for a vast number of animals and different aquatic ecosystems. It’s a major component of all living things on earth, the human body containing 60% water. It’s essential for all life processes like body metabolism and growth.

 Some evolution theories suggest that life rose from primordial soup in the ocean and changed from simpler to complex life forms that we have today. According to earth how, the earth is 71% covered by water. About 97.2 % of the earth’s water is salt water. Only about 2.8% is fresh water of which 99% is in form of glaciers and ground water leaving a mere 1% in fresh water lakes bodies and the atmosphere.

This shows the kind of water stress we are already having and the need to save water as our lives depend on it. We therefore need to check our water footprint. Saving water at home will not only curtail your water bill but its also a stepping stone towards greater sustainability for us all.

7 practical ways you can employ to greatly save water at home.

Here are the ways you can save water at home.

1. Install rainwater collection facilities

Install gutters around the roof of the house to harvest rain water and collect it in tanks when it rains. This water can then be used via a tap or connected to the water supply system of the house and used in kitchens and bathroooms.

2. Fixing leaks, blocks and breakages.

Here’s where a plumber comes in handy. He’s called to check for water leaks in pipes and water distribution systems in the home and around facilities. These should be fixed as soon as possible to avoid water loses.

3. Reduce shower periods

Don’t use this as an excuse not to bathe. Bathe regularly but just don’t take in 30 minutes straight unless maybe in a tub. Also use use a water saving shower head and brush your teeth with the tap off to minimize wastage. .

4. Recycle used water

Grey water can be used used to using it to flush the toilet or clean the floor. Dirty rain water can be used to irrigate plants in the garden or urban farm.

5. Use eco or water saving appliances

Use water saving appliances like only laundry machines with water-wise recommendation check marks. Equipment like these regulate the amount of water used per session. Don’t use the dish washer unless it is full. its also important to regulate the amount of water used during cooking meals.

6. Regulate water flow

Lower water flow on taps in the toilets, faucets and sinks using water amount and flow regulators.

7. Maintain cleanliness and tidiness to save water

Water is mainly used to clean at home amongst other uses. The dirtier the homestead, the more water that will be required to clean for example dirty clothes require more water to wash as compared to relatively clean ones that only need refreshing.

Adopting habits that keep a home clean and tidy will help conserve a lot of water. You can also choose to sweep your drive way instead of watering it. During a car wash its also advisable to use a nozzle sprinkler to wash rather than a bucket.

With these, you can kick start your journey towards water saving, conservation and environmental protection. We can however do more to live green and sustainably. Tell me what you think in the comments.

WATER IS THE DRIVING FORCE OF ALL NATURE.

– Leonardo Da Vinci –