Issue No. 15
July 22, 2013
Ways to conserve water
T
he earth is composed of 75% water. However, only a little percentage is suitable for drinking and for daily use. We actually forget to save water because we are thinking we have enough supply of it. According to World Health Organization (WHO), some 2B people will not be able to have the recommended water intake of 500 cubic meters annually for a healthy and hygienic living by year 2025. Hence, WHO and other organizations encourage people to start saving water and help in energy conservation in the long run. Water pumping, delivery and waste water treatment facilities consume a significant amount of energy. In some regions of the world over 15% of total electricity consumption are devoted to water management.. Here are some simple water conservation tips applicable to everyone: •
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Use only one drinking glass daily. Refill your glass and keep it in a safe place. It will decrease the number of glass to wash every day and will save about 150 gallons in a month. Throw excess ice on plants. Try to find a pot or plant boxes to put ice left in your cup from restaurants or fast food chains. This way, you are also helping watering the plants. Avoid using running water. Defrost frozen meat or foods overnight in the chiller or soak them in warm water. Wastage will occur when using running water. Lessen your bath time. At least two minutes per day will make a big difference because several gallons of water will be saved monthly. Control your toilets with flush. Put a bottle with water or sand inside your flush to minimize the water usage for every flush. Collect rain water. Put it in a pail or other container with cover. Use rain water as an alternative in watering plants and cleaning windows and floors. Find a plant that badly needs water. Bath your pets beside that plant. You can also wash your car on dried part of your garden.
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Water your garden when temperatures are cooler. Avoid watering plants from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on windy days. Do it in the morning or evening to minimize water evaporation. Call your water supplier or plumber. Fix leaks in water system immediately to avoid extra charges on your water bills. You will also help conserve water. Teach your children. Nurture environmental awareness and consciousness in children. This will create a brighter future for them.
Did you know that an individual uses nearly 100 gallons of water daily? Here is the mathematics: • 5 gallons for toilet flushing; • 7 gallons per minute every time we take a bath; • 40-60 gallons for the laundry; and • 20 gallons in washing the dishes. Source: http://theannexmatters.wordpress.com/2011/11/17/ fighting-global-warming-enercon-tips-2/
Published by the Trade and Industry Information Center (TIIC) for the DTI ENERCON Management Team in support of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Program. If you have Enercon tips to share, other suggestions or requested topics, please e-mail us at publications@dti.gov.ph.