Why is it important to save water?

97.5% of the world’s water is trapped in seas and lakes, where it is too salty for human use. The ice caps contain the majority of the remaining 2.5%.

As a result, we humans depend on the small amount of fresh water that is available — an important natural resource for survival.

Yet water is used for more than just drinking. We wash with it, clean with it, and make everything from clothes to food with it. Crop processing, including livestock feed and biofuels, is placing a significant pressure on fresh water sources.

1. Seasonal and high-quality eating

Raising animals for meat and dairy, as well as harvesting crops like avocado on a wide and wasteful scale, require a lot of water. You will also be working to protect the environment. The beef and dairy sectors contribute significantly to global warming.

2. Use less while showering.

Each minute spent in a power shower consumes up to 17 litres of water. Set your phone’s timer to keep your showers short, sweet, and water-saving.

Switching to an efficient shower head would allow you to lather up with less water, saving you water and money.

3. Collect your dirty laundry.

A single load of laundry uses less water and electricity than two half-loads. This often means fewer payments.

4. Purchase a low-flush toilet.

The average family flushes the toilet 5,000 times a year. Modern dual-flush devices conserve a significant amount of water. They use just 6 litres — or 4 litres with a reduced flush — which is significantly less than the 13 litres used by each old-style single flush.

5. Get it to a boil.

Just boil as many cups of water as you need to save water, money, and electricity.

6. Steam your vegetables

Steam your diet to reduce water consumption while retaining some of the natural nutrients.

If you do boil, try using the remaining water to make a delicious soup supply. Allow it to cool before using it to water plants.

7. Minimize food waste

Our cereal, berries, and other foods need a large amount of water to be produced.

8. Gardening at the right time

Water outdoor plants early in the morning or late in the day to prevent water from evaporating quickly in sunshine and humidity. Water the soil so that the liquid reaches the roots where it is most essential.

Animals, like humans, need water during a heatwave. Rather than watering your grass, place a water-filled tub, such as a casserole dish, out for birds to drink and wash. Thirsty bees and other insects will need a saucer or bowl filled with water and stones.

9. Collect rainwater

You can reduce water consumption by 33% by watering plants by hand rather than using automated sprinklers.

10. Do not fund water-grabbers.

Any corporations and developers that acquire property all over the world add to water shortages and waste. They occasionally refuse locals access to sewage, pollute watercourses, or exhaust sources. This will have an effect on local communities’ ability to farm and access clean drinking water.

11. No further washing.

If you have a dishwasher? Fill it full each time you use it, and you’ll use less water than washing the dishes by hand. Yes, even though you’re using a laundry machine. What better reason to go have a fun sit-down?

12. Be plumbing-ready.

Check the kitchen pipes and dishwasher hose for sluggish leakage on a regular basis.

Apply pressure to the government

Governments across the world would also help to save fresh water and prevent water waste by:

• measuring water use and setting reduction targets;

• requiring large corporations to measure and manage the amount of resources they use;

• encouraging lower water diets — like reduced meat consumption;

• assisting industry in making water-intensive products last longer; and

• Providing consumers with information on water conservation.