Avoiding water wastage is crucial to conserving water, more so in water scarce urban areas in India. This can range from simply fixing leaks to grey cycling of water which involves recycling and reusing the waste water. While it's difficult to regulate how much water one wastes, at an individual level the responsibility is upon us to make sure we follow a few steps like the ones below.
1.Fix Leaks and Drips
Leaks, no matter how small, contribute to massive water loss. A single dripping tap can waste up to 11,000 liters of water annually, enough to meet the drinking needs of several families.
What You Can Do:
- DIY Leak Detection: Regularly inspect pipes, and water tanks for leaks. Check your water bill for sudden spikes that could indicate hidden leaks.
- Quick Fixes: Replace worn-out washers and seal loose connections for quick fixes and for the leaks beyond your control, resort to professional help.
- Call a Professional: If the leaks persist, call a plumber to avoid larger issues later.
Did You Know? Fixing a dripping faucet can save up to 75 liters of water daily.
2. Use Water-Efficient Appliances
Benefits:
- Low-flow Showerheads: Low-flow showerheads are designed to significantly cut water consumption without compromising the shower experience. By aerating the water or using pressure-compensating technology, these devices can reduce water usage by up to 40%, saving both water and energy. Over a year, a family of four can conserve thousands of liters, reducing utility bills and their environmental footprint.
- Water-Efficient Washing Machines: Modern washing machines are optimized to use less water per load. High-efficiency models use up to 50% less water compared to traditional ones. Features like load sensors adjust water levels based on the laundry size, ensuring no water is wasted. For an average household, this can result in savings of thousands of liters annually, while also lowering energy costs due to reduced hot water usage.
- Dishwashers with Water-Saving Technology: Advanced dishwashers now consume far less water than manual dishwashing, especially when used with a full load. Models with eco modes use minimal water by recirculating it through efficient filtration systems. These appliances can save up to 60% more water compared to washing dishes by hand under a running tap, which often wastes liters per minute.
Benefits:
- Significant reduction in water bills.
- Lower environmental impact due to reduced water usage.
Pro Tip: Always check for appliances with high Water Efficiency Ratings and features like load sensors to optimize usage.
3.Recycle and Reuse Water
Practical Steps:
- Rainwater Harvesting: Install a system to collect and store rainwater for non-drinking purposes like cleaning, gardening, or even washing cars. This method reduces dependency on freshwater supplies and makes the most of natural rainfall, especially during monsoon seasons.
- Greywater Recycling: Divert wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry for secondary uses like irrigation or flushing toilets. Greywater, which excludes sewage waste, contains minimal contaminants, making it ideal for non-potable applications.
Japan has been a global leader in utilizing greywater recycling systems. Many buildings in urban areas are equipped with systems that recycle wastewater from sinks to flush toilets. This dual-purpose use of water significantly reduces consumption.
- Reuse Cooking Water: Water used for boiling vegetables or rinsing grains can be cooled and used to water plants. This method is not only eco-friendly but also enriches the soil with nutrients leached during cooking, benefiting garden plants.
Why It Matters: Reusing water reduces dependency on freshwater sources and makes household systems more sustainable.
DIY Tip: You can start small with a simple rain barrel to collect water from roof runoff.
4.Be Mindful of Water Usage Habits
Daily Habits to Adopt:
- Turn off taps while brushing your teeth, saving up to 22 liters daily per person.
- Use a bucket instead of a hose to wash cars.
- Opt for shorter showers – cutting a 10-minute shower to 5 minutes can save 50 liters.
The Impact of Small Changes:
- A family of four can save 20,000 liters annually just by being mindful of everyday habits.
- Reduced strain on municipal water systems.
Pro Tip: Place a reminder near water outlets to encourage turning off taps when not in use.
5.Maintain and Monitor Water Usage
- Service Appliances: Regularly service washing machines, dishwashers, and water purifiers to prevent leaks and wastage.
- Install Smart Water Meters:In India, several apps and systems are specifically designed to monitor water consumption:
- WEGoT Aqua: An IoT-based platform that monitors water consumption in real-time, providing alerts for leaks and promoting sustainable usage. It supports both residential and commercial needs and claims to reduce water waste by up to 50%.
- Aegir Water Monitoring: Ideal for residential and industrial use, this app integrates digital water meters with real-time tracking and analytics. It also highlights abnormal consumption patterns, helping prevent wastage.
- WATSCAN: Though primarily used for regional water resource management, WATSCAN is valuable in agricultural and community water conservation planning, offering data-driven insights for optimized usage.
- Check Plumbing Systems: Conduct periodic inspections to ensure there are no hidden leaks or blockages.
Did You Know? Smart water meters can detect leaks early and save up to 30% of household water annually.
Water conservation starts with awareness and action. From fixing leaks to reusing water, every small step contributes to a larger goal of preventing water scarcity. By adopting these 5 ways to avoid water wastage, you can ensure a sustainable future for yourself and the planet. Start today—because every drop counts!
