5 ways to reduce your water use
With the hot summer weather, you use more water in your home and garden. Here’s 5 ways you can reduce your water use. You’ll save this precious resource and reduce your water bill at the same time.
Spread mulch
A layer of mulch spread across your garden beds will reduce evaporation of water from the soil so you’ll need less water for a stunning garden. You’ll also get more time to enjoy it! Mulch prevents weed growth so you’ll spend less time weeding and more time enjoying your summer.
Check for leaks
While a small drip may not seem like much, a dripping tap can waste hundreds of litres of water a month. Before you go to bed make a note of the reading on your water meter. Check it again first thing in the morning and compare the readings. If it has changed you may have a leak. Check all taps, toilets and the hoses of washing machines for leaks. If you find one head to your hardware store for replacement parts. If none can be found you might have a leaky pipe and you’ll need to call a plumber.
Be trigger happy
Use trigger-operated hose nozzles to wash the car and water the garden. Because of the trigger, you use water only when you need it. Even though the water comes out at a higher pressure, you use much less water than the unregulated flow out of a hose.
Install irrigation
Instead of spraying water over your entire garden, deliver it to where it’s needed - the roots of your plants with a drip irrigation system. You can pick up all the parts you need from your hardware store and you won’t need any fancy tools. Add a timer to your irrigation system so you won’t have to worry about remembering to water.
Save in the shower
A water efficient shower head can save you up to 5000 litres of water per year. Look for models with a wider head and adjustable spray patterns to give you a better showering experience. To change your shower head, simply screw off the old head and put the new one on. Make sure you use Teflon tape around the thread of the fitting to avoid leaks.
