Since the invention of modern-day plumbing, humans have been consuming more water than ever before. Our demand for water is growing as our population grows. And in Hawaii, drought due to lack of rain has been putting a damper on our water supply over the last several years. With this in mind, now is the time for us to begin to think twice before we turn on the faucet.
To give an example, one 10-minute shower can easily use 30-60 gallons of water, which is something we rarely think about while we are lathering up after a long day of work or play. We are so spoiled that we often fail to realize that some people in the world are lucky if they get one gallon of water to use a day.
In Hawaii the main source of drinking water is groundwater, which is fresh water that is filtered through mountain watersheds and volcanic rock. When rainfall decreases, our water supply is significantly reduced and that’s why the Honolulu Board of Water Supply asks us to cut back during these times.
14 WAYS TO CONSERVE WATER
Take shorter showers- Turn water off while shampooing, lathering or shaving.
Don’t let water run while doing dishes- Fill a dish pan with soapy water, lather, then quickly rinse. Use garbage disposal sparingly because it requires a lot of water to function properly. Try composting your food waste instead.
Turn water off while brushing teeth, washing hands or shaving- Remember that 3 gallons of water go down the drain every minute that the faucet is on.
Use water-efficient plumbing fixtures-Aerated showerheads, kitchen faucets and garden hose sprayers can save gallons of water each day. Rebates are also available for the purchase of low-flush toilets.
Fix leaky faucets-Gallons of water are lost every minute due to leaky plumbing. If you are aware of a pipe or fixture that is leaking in your home or business, get it fixed right away.
Water lawn before 9am or after 5pm-Water only when necessary. Watering every three days is more than enough to promote deeper root growth. Adjust sprinklers if you notice that you are watering the sidewalk instead of your plants.
Select correct water level for laundry wash-If you only have a full-load setting, wait until you have enough dirty laundry to fill the space. Choose shorter wash cycles for lightly-soiled items. Treat for stains prior to washing so items do not have to be washed repeatedly.
Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants-Your local nursery will be able to tell you which plants require less water.
Don’t let the hose run while washing your car-Go to the car wash instead, which uses significantly less water on average.
Use a broom to clean off the patio or driveway instead of spraying it down with the hose
Educate your family, friends and children on the importance of water conservation
Conserve water wherever you go-Just because you are staying at a fancy hotel doesn’t mean that it’s okay to take a 2-hour shower twice a day. It’s also important to teach children not to play with public sinks, showers and drinking fountains.
Don’t use the toilet to flush down the cockroaches-I’m guilty of this one on occasion, but have made an effort to whisk them outside whenever possible. Use your trash to dispose of dirty tissues and hair. Remember one flush uses up to 5 gallons of water depending on how new your toilet is.
Don’t take water for granted-Lack of clean and accessible drinking water is the second largest worldwide killer of children under five. Visit tapproject.org for more information and to find out how you can help.