Practical Water-Saving Tips

Water is a precious resource in South Africa, where droughts and water restrictions are frequent. Saving water at home is crucial for environmental protection, cost-cutting, and ensuring adequate supply for all. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to reduce water use without significant sacrifices. Here are some effective water-saving tips that can benefit you.

Water saving tips

Practical Water-Saving Tips You Can Start Today

Saving water doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes in your daily routine can add up to big savings. Here are some practical water-saving tips that are easy to implement:

 Indoor Household Efficiency

• Fix leaking taps and pipes immediately, as a dripping tap or leaking toilet can waste hundreds of liters of water daily.

• Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

• Take showers in under 5 minutes.

• Use a shower timer with an audible alarm or try playing a short song to keep track..

• Adopt the “navy shower” method (water off while lathering or washing hair).

• Bucket in the shower. Collect water while it warms up for flushing toilets or watering plants.

• Turn off taps while brushing teeth, shaving, washing hands, or scrubbing dishes to save litres of water.

• Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full.

• Upgrade to water-efficient appliances. Choose eco-friendly models that save water without sacrificing performance.

• Install dual-flush toilets.

• Place a displacement bottle inside older toilet cisterns.

• Flush the toilet only when needed. Let the 'yellow mellow' and avoid using it as a trash bin.

• Insulate hot water pipes. This reduces heat loss and shortens the time needed to get hot water.

• Install pressure-reducing valves.

• Install a hot water recirculation pump.

  
  

Fix leaking taps to save water

Kitchen Practices

• Collect cold water while waiting for hot water in taps and reuse it.

• Wash fruit and vegetables in a basin instead of running water.

• Rinse dishes in a basin or sink rather than under a running water.

• Defrost food in the fridge rather than under running water.

• Reuse cooled cooking water for watering plants.

  
  

Garden & Outdoor Conservation

• Water gardens early morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. Use a watering can instead of a hosepipe and focus on watering the roots rather than the leaves.

• Plant indigenous, drought-resistant vegetation to create a sustainable garden. Indigenous plants and succulents require less water and effectively support local biodiversity.

• Mulch garden beds to retain soil moisture.

• Replace lawns with edible or water-wise gardens.

• Sweep driveways, patios instead of hosing them down.

• Wash cars with a bucket rather than a running hose.

• Use a trigger nozzle on garden hoses.

• Wash pets on the lawn to reuse runoff.

• Cover swimming pools to reduce evaporation.

• If you own a pool, avoid filling it to the brim to prevent water waste from splashing.

• Install rainwater harvesting tanks to collect water for gardening and cleaning, reducing municipal water use and providing a resource during dry periods.

• Enhance groundwater recharge by using permeable paving materials such as concrete pavers, grid systems, or porous asphalt, which allow rainwater and runoff to penetrate the surface, reducing surface runoff.

Use drought-resistant plants to save water in gardens

Reuse, Recycling & Alternative Sources

• Reuse greywater. Water from baths, showers, and washing machines can be reused for toilets or gardens.

• Place buckets beneath drains to collect rainwater for your garden

• Harvest air-conditioner condensation water.

• Use commercial car washes that recycle water.

Why Saving Water Matters

Water scarcity is a real challenge in South Africa. Saving water at home helps in many ways:

• Protects the environment: Less water use means less strain on rivers, dams, and ecosystems.

• Saves money: Lower water bills mean more money for other essentials.

• Prepares for droughts: Being water-wise helps you cope better during dry periods and restrictions.

• Supports community: When everyone saves water, there’s more to go around for all.

  
  

Understanding water conservation benefits keeps you motivated and encourages good habits. Follow local water restrictions, educate your household on water-saving, and report municipal leaks promptly to reduce strain on water systems.

Water-saving tips

Conclusion - Possible day zero in Gqeberha

Gqeberha is once again facing the threat of "Day Zero," emphasizing the importance of both individual water conservation and municipal accountability. The Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Babalwa Lobishe, attributes the declining dam levels to residents, yet the municipality must also address its own shortcomings, and ensure water security in the Bay. Continuous leaks result in significant daily water loss, a situation worsened by three decades of neglected maintenance. The municipality has struggled to manage serious water leaks, currently losing an estimated 60% of all water allocated to our city. To obtain public support for water-saving initiatives, the municipality must address leaks before placing blame on residents. Nonetheless, residents need to be informed, and an urgent campaign is necessary to engage the entire Metro. The municipality must prioritise the interests of citizens and repair leaks promptly.

Saving water is an ongoing journey where every drop matters. By making a few small changes, we can all contribute to creating a better water future for Gqeberha and South Africa! Let's transform our homes into examples of smart water use. Every household must aim to adhere to the limit of 50 litre's per person each day. I hope these tips inspire you to start saving water. Every small action counts, and together we can make a big impact, protecting our water resources and enjoying a greener, more sustainable home.

Sources

1) Save Water with Us | A Guide to Save Water | Finish® SA

2) Water Saving Checklist to Avoid Day Zero.pdf

3) Tips for saving water around the home | WWF South Africa