Imagine Earth seen from space—a vast, blue planet. Most of its surface is water, roughly seven out of ten parts. Only a little over 3% of that water is fresh and suitable for drinking, while the remainder is salt water or locked away in ice. Since water isn’t created anew, the total supply remains fixed, a precious resource that must be used wisely.
SAVE IT!
During hot summer months, water demand rises. The following practical tips help reduce consumption without sacrificing comfort or cleanliness.
IN THE KITCHEN
- Run the dishwasher only with full loads to maximize efficiency. If possible, schedule its operation for off-peak hours when electricity use is lower, typically in the evening or very early morning. This approach minimizes water and energy waste while delivering clean dishes.
- While washing dishes, keep the tap off between scrubbing and rinsing to cut unnecessary flow. A small habit, repeated many times, saves gallons of water each day.
- Chill a pitcher of water in the fridge so cold drinks are ready without letting the faucet run. This simple change reduces wasted water and keeps beverages cool.
- Ice cubes that would otherwise melt away can be used to hydrate houseplants. A quick pour into a pot provides a tiny boost without wasting water.
IN THE GARDEN
- Sprinklers should water the lawn, not the driveway, car, or street. Bare concrete and asphalt do not need irrigation, and watering them wastes water.
- Washing a vehicle on the lawn combines cleaning with a natural rinse. The runoff can help green the turf, while careful water use minimizes waste.
IN THE BATHROOM
- Let water flow only when needed. Turn off taps during face washing and teeth brushing to prevent needless waste.
- Keep showers brief to cut daily consumption; even small reductions add up over time.
AT SCHOOL
- Opt for a reusable bottle at school rather than a disposable plastic one. It reduces waste and keeps hydration steady throughout the day.
- Turn off taps while lathering hands to minimize waste during routine handwashing.
- Report leaks promptly so maintenance teams can repair them quickly. Fixing drips guards water resources and lowers utility costs.
- Campaigns and posters help raise awareness about water-saving practices across the school community.