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Conservation Tips
In General
Make sure taps are tightly closed when not in use. A running faucet can waste up to 200 liters every five minutes;
Check faucets regularly for leaks and have them repaired immediately;
Teach kids that water is not games.
In The Kitchen
Use a basin or fill the sink halfway to soak or soap dishes. Turn on the tap only when ready to rinse;
Greasy plates are easier to wash if soaked first in hot water;
When cleaning fruits or vegetables, use a basin or partially filled sink;
Be economical with washing machine and dishwasher. Save for a bigger wash and cut down the rinse cycle.
In The Bathroom
A shower uses one-fifth the amount of water that a bath does;
Those who insist on bathing should avoid overfilling the tub. Turn off the water while washing, then off quickly;
While brushing teeth, turn off the tap. Use glass to gargle and short bursts of water to clean the brush (this saves about 80% of the amount used with a constantly running tap);
When washing or shaving, partially fill the sink basin and use the water rather than running the tap. Use shorts bursts to clean the razor;
Install low-flush toilets. If this isn’t not possible, place brick in the water tank to displace water. This can save 20% of the water used in regular flush.
In The Garden
Save bath water to wash the floor or water the plants;
Water the garden or lawn during the cool part of the day, early morning or late afternoon. Half the water will evaporate under the hot sun;
Choose plants that don’t require a lot of water, such as cactus, Chinese hibiscus and azalea;
Grass doesn’t need much water. It is required only when the top develops a black tinge. (Recovery is almost instantaneous when watering at this stage)
Never soak lawns. Soil cannot store extra water anyway.
In The Garage
When washing the car, use a pail instead of a hose and cotton cloth instead of a sponge. Not only does it save water, it’s friendlier to your paint job too;
Don’t hose down the driveway, use a water pill and broom instead.
Source: Asiaweek, May 1, 1998, page 33,
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