Many parts of our Country are currently experiencing severe drought conditions and the Eastern Cape is also feeling the impact. The status of water in Kidds Beach is not as severe, but this does not mean that we can continue with no conservation in mind.
We therefore encourage all residents to assist during this time to conserve water by minimizing our daily usage. Here are some ways you can make a difference within your home.
Showers/ Baths Tips
- Avoid taking baths, rather shower and save 100 litres
- Reduce your shower time to the length of your favourite tune (3 – 4 minutes)
- Consider changing your shower head to a water saving one to half your consumption. (6-10 litres per minute)
Basins
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and save 9 litres
- Waterless hand sanitizers reduce the need to washing your hands often.
- Place drinking water bottles in the fridge, to obtain cold drinking water.
Toilets
- Place a 2l bottle filled with water in your cistern.
- Avoid using the toilet as a bin for tissues.
- Only flush when necessary, allowing for multiple uses before flushing.
Laundry
- Reduce washing to once a week.
- Avoid half loads – ensure your machine loads are full
- Save energy and do cold washes.
Gardens/ Washing cars
- Use your rainwater tanks to water the gardens.
- Use your rainwater tanks to wash the cars.
- Water the garden in the early evening to avoid evaporation.
- Plant a water-wise garden with indigenous drought-resistant plants
Recreation
- Don’t use water-based toys like water guns, water balloons, etc.
- If you want to keep your kids cool, use a shallow shell pool and fill it from your rainwater tank.
- If you have a pool, don’t fill it to the top – splashing leads to serious waste
- Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation during colder months.
General Household
- Fix leaky taps – even a slow drip can waste 30 litres a day
- Only use your dishwasher when its full and air-dry dishes at the end
- Use less water when washing dishes and fill two sinks; one with soapy water and one with warm water for rinsing.
- Sweep away leaves and debris rather than using a hose to spray them away.
- Use a watering can to make sure the water goes where it’s needed.
- Don’t run the water to thaw frozen food. Defrost food in the fridge.
Saving water at home does not require any significant cost outlay. Although there are water-saving appliances and water conservation systems which are more expensive, the bulk of water saving methods can be achieved at little cost.