Every drop counts, especially at home, where lots of water can be wasted without us even noticing. Here’s how you can become a water-saving hero right in your own home, with simple actions that make a big difference..Turn off the tap One of the easiest ways to save water is by turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your hands. It might not seem like much, but leaving the tap running can waste over six litres of water per minute! So next time, just turn off the tap while you brush, and only turn it back on to rinse.Shorter showers Showers can use a lot of water, especially if you take a long time. Try to keep your showers short and sweet. You can even make it a fun challenge to see how quickly you can get clean. Aiming for showers that last no longer than four minutes can save up to 20 litres of water each time!Fix those leaks A dripping tap might not seem like a big deal, but did you know a tap leaking one drop per second can waste more than 15 litres of water a day? That adds up to over 5,000 litres a year! If you hear or see a leak, tell an adult so it can be fixed as soon as possible.Full loads only Whether it’s the dishwasher or the washing machine, make sure they’re full before you run them. These appliances use the same amount of water whether they’re half-full or completely full, so you’ll save water by running fewer cycles.Use a bucket While waiting for the shower to warm up, instead of letting the cold water go down the drain, catch it in a bucket. You can use this water for flushing the toilet or watering plants. It’s a simple switch that can save litres of water every day.Water the plants wisely If you help with gardening, water the plants early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. This helps reduce water evaporation and makes sure the plants get the moisture they need. Also, using a watering can instead of a hose helps control the amount of water you use.Reuse cooking water After boiling pasta or vegetables, the water can be cooled and used to water houseplants. It’s full of nutrients and better than pouring it down the sink. Just make sure the water is cool and doesn’t have any oils or salt in it.Install water-saving devices Talk to your family about installing devices that reduce water use, like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilet converters. These devices are inexpensive ways to save water every time you flush or shower.Educate your family Share these tips with your family members and encourage them to be mindful of their water usage too. Sometimes, just being aware of how much water we use can lead to big changes in how we use it.
