By Lec Watkins

It really does seem like water will be the next resource in crisis. In the future it is feasible that water rights will ignite wars and global economic change, in much the same way oil does at present. It’s hard if we live somewhere with regular rainfall and surplus supplies to really worry about this ever present resource. But maybe we should be starting to curb our waste of water now before supplies threaten to dry up. Simply the booms in population, never mind industry or changing weather patterns mean we will have changes to our water supplies in future. We need to start thinking of water saving ideas now.

Here are just a few simple water saving tips which can easily be undertaken in any home.

Water Conservation Ideas In the Kitchen

• Save water previously used to clean fruit and vegetables for watering plants inside and out.
• Save the water used to cook pasta, potatoes, vegetables etc. Some can be reused to cook other items that day or for soups which will help retain the nutrients normally washed down the sink. Or you can use it for moistening pet food, watering garden plants or adding to the compost heap.
• Save your dirty water from washing dishes for the compost heap or garden. Soapy water is great for roses and other plants to clean off fungal and insect pests.
• Only use the dishwasher when it is full.

Water Conservation Ideas In the Bathroom

• If it's yellow let it mellow and if it's brown flush it down! You really do not need to flush after every pee. And, if you are worried about smells put the seat down (it looks more tidy anyway).
• If you do not have a dual flush or water saving toilet, at least put a bottle of water in the cistern. That will cut down the volume you flush.
• When you can (brushing teeth, soaping hands), remember to turn off faucets.
• When washing your face, fill the basin rather than leaving the water running. It's surprising how much water just drains away.
• Aerating faucets and low flow shower-heads all mean you get less water running. They are really cheap and easy to install.
• Replace regular baths with showers which use much less water.

Water Conservation Ideas In the Laundry Room

• Unless items REALLY need a long wash make sure you select the short cycle on your washing machine. Most of our laundry is not actually THAT dirty.
• Remember the washing machine outlet water is usually fine for watering flowers, trees and non-root crops. Simply run the machine outlet pipe directly to an area of garden to be irrigated or to a large water drum which is then used to water the garden as required. Ordinary washing detergent is fine but no bleach or other harsh chemicals should go onto the garden.

Water Conservation Ideas Outside

• You can never have too many rainwater barrels. Anything with a roof should have guttering and a barrel for collecting rainwater. Even sheds, greenhouses and hen coops should have guttering.
• Rather than use hoses opt for buckets or watering cans wherever practical. This will really save water used in watering the garden, washing the car etc.
• Often nature is best left to its own devices so ask yourself whether you REALLY need to water the garden. By watering less often plant roots will find their own way down to naturally moist soil. That way they will cope without all that additional water you use to merely wet the surface of the soil.

I hope these water saving tips are an inspiration. Just by changing routine behavior we can quickly save water and cut water bills. Great for the environment and the pocket.

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