Simple Ways To Save Water, Stop Pollution

Water is a precious resource, and it's important to do what we can to save it and prevent pollution. There are many simple, everyday actions that can be taken to protect water and stop pollutants from entering our water systems. From reducing the amount of water we use to being mindful of what we put down the drain, every small action can make a big difference.

Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk

One of the best ways to save water and prevent pollution is to use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk. Hosing down these outdoor areas can waste a lot of water, and the runoff can carry pollutants into storm drains, which flow directly into nearby rivers and lakes. Sweeping up instead will save water and prevent pollutants from entering waterbodies. In the winter, you can also sweep up leftover road salt or sand near storm drains, which can be harmful to water quality if washed into drains.

Using a broom instead of a hose is a simple, effective way to reduce water usage and prevent pollution. It's a small change that can make a big difference, especially if everyone does it! You can also encourage your local community to adopt this practice, and even organise group clean-up events where everyone brings their own brooms to sweep the streets and sidewalks.

If you need to wash your driveway or sidewalk, consider using a bucket of soapy water and a stiff brush instead of a hose. This will still effectively clean the area, but it will use far less water, and you can control where the soapy water goes, ensuring it doesn't flow into storm drains. You could also look into pressure washers, which use less water than a hose and can be more efficient at removing dirt and grime.

Remember, it's important to dispose of any debris you sweep up properly. Don't just brush it into the street, as it could end up in a storm drain anyway. Put it into a bin or compost it if it's organic material. You can also reuse or recycle some materials, like salt or sand.

By making this small change and encouraging others to do the same, you can help save water and protect our precious water sources from pollution.

Water your plants in the evening or early morning to minimise evaporation

Watering your plants in the evening or early morning can help to minimise evaporation and is a great way to save water and prevent pollution. By watering during the cooler parts of the day, you can reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation, ensuring that more water reaches your plants' roots. This simple practice can help you save water and keep your plants healthy.

To further reduce water waste, you can also apply mulch to your plant beds. Mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering. It also suppresses weed growth, giving your plants more access to nutrients in the soil.

Additionally, consider using water-saving techniques when watering your plants. For example, you can use a watering can with a slow, gentle flow to direct water precisely to the roots of your plants, minimising water wastage. You can also install drip irrigation systems, which deliver water directly to the roots of your plants through a network of pipes with small holes or emitters. This method ensures that water is applied slowly and directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and runoff.

Remember, by adopting water-saving practices in your gardening, you not only conserve this precious resource but also help prevent pollution. Water conservation reduces the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated, lowering the energy consumption and chemical usage associated with water treatment processes.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving

Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving is a simple way to save water and prevent pollution. It is estimated that leaving the tap running while brushing your teeth wastes up to 6 litres of water per minute. By turning off the tap, you can conserve huge amounts of water and reduce your water charges.

To turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, start by wetting your toothbrush and turning off the tap. Then, apply toothpaste to your toothbrush and brush your teeth as usual. Finally, turn the tap back on to clean your toothbrush and rinse away the toothpaste.

Turning off the tap while shaving works in a similar way. Start by wetting your face and turning off the tap. Then, lather up your shaving soap or cream and shave as usual. Finally, turn the tap back on to rinse off any remaining soap or cream.

Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving is a simple habit that can make a big difference in water conservation and pollution prevention. It may take some time to get used to, but it is well worth the effort.

Install a water-efficient showerhead

Installing a water-efficient showerhead is a great way to save water and prevent pollution. By swapping out your old showerhead for a more efficient one, you can reduce your water and electric bills and eliminate CO2 emissions.

Step-by-step guide to installing a water-efficient showerhead:

• Remove your old showerhead by turning the entire unit counterclockwise. If it is stuck, try using a wrench to get it started. If it is still stuck, mineral buildup and gunk are likely holding it in place. To remove this, soak a paper towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the connection area between the pipe and the old showerhead.
• Install the new shower arm by turning it clockwise into the threaded pipe in the wall. After a few turns with your hand, use a wrench to properly secure the arm into the wall.
• Wrap teflon tape around the threading of the shower arm to prevent the showerhead from leaking. Make sure you do not apply too much tape, as this could make the showerhead not fit correctly.
• Attach the showerhead by turning the threaded end clockwise tightly into the teflon-wrapped end of the shower arm.
• Once finished, turn on the water to make sure there are no leaks. If leaks are found, make sure all seals are tight and there is adequate teflon tape on all threading.

Wash your car less often, or at a car wash where they recycle water

Washing your car less often is a great way to save water and prevent pollution. If you do need to wash your car, consider going to a car wash where they recycle water. This is a more sustainable option than washing your car at home, where you might be tempted to leave the hose running. If you do decide to wash your car at home, use a bucket of soapy water and keep a spring-loaded nozzle on the hose to reduce water usage.

Another way to prevent water pollution is to keep your local storm drain clear of leaves, trash, and other debris. Storm drains are a direct pipeline to nearby rivers and lakes, so it's important to make sure that these materials don't end up in the water. In the winter, sweep up leftover road salt or sand near storm drains to prevent it from flowing into water bodies.

You can also reduce water pollution by only buying the things you need. This reduces the negative impacts on water that sometimes occur during the manufacturing of various products. Try to buy items made from recycled materials, and join your city's recycling or composting programs.

To save water, use the minimum amount of detergent and/or bleach when washing clothes or dishes. Use phosphate-free soaps and detergents, and minimise the use of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers. Do not dispose of these chemicals, motor oil, or other automotive fluids into the sanitary sewer or storm sewer systems.

Frequently asked questions