Maropeng brings you tips on how to save water

Water is the source of life and each drop precious – that is why we are always advised to use it wisely. March is water awareness month, and the Maropeng Visitor Centre has done some research and found these easy tips and ways to save water.

You may be asking yourself why go to all this trouble? Well, water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource all over the world. And while our national population grows each year, the amount of water available is decreasing so we need to use it sparingly. This means being aware of your water consumption at home, school and at work.

According to UN water statistics, “water quality worldwide is declining mainly due to human activities. Increasing population growth, rapid urbanisation, the discharge of new pathogens and new chemicals from industries and invasive species are key factors that contribute to the deterioration of water quality.”

According to wateruseitwisely.com, a site that is dedicated to informing people about water use, there are many ways to cut back and they all begin with you.

Here are some tips for saving water at home:

• When washing dishes, don’t leave the tap running.
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and pavement.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, pavement or street.
• Wash your car on the lawn and you’ll water your lawn at the same time.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.
• Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Check your water use by regularly checking your water meter.
• If possible, try to collect rainwater for use in the house.

Work is where most people spend their time and we may think that there is not much we can do to save water at the office, but take a look at these tips:

• If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a pot plant instead.
• When you are washing your hands, don’t let the water run while you lather.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
• Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don’t waste water just because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.

If you can save money and minimise your costs, then saving water shouldn’t be a big deal. Let’s make sure that we have an abundance of water in the future so that more generations can enjoy this precious gift. Make a habit of saving water, and make every day a water-saving one.

Maropeng also champions the correct use of water. You can find out more by clicking on the Maropeng Exhibition Guide where you can also learn about recycling, your ecological footprint and how to save the planet.