It is time we, as South Africans, take a serious look at how we can save and reuse water.
\nHere are easy ways to minimise your water usage until the rains come again:
\n* Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes to maximize the utility of each load.
\n* Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing vegetables.
\n* Scrape food off your dishes and into the bin rather than washing the plates off with water.
\n* Make sure the dishwasher is full before turning it on.
\n* Don\u2019t water gardens or lawns during the heat of day. Up to 90 per cent of the water you use is lost through evaporation.
\n* Never put water down a drain that can be used for something else such as watering a garden or cleaning.
\n* Encourage employees to report leaks and problems with plumbing and irrigation equipment.
\n* Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds.
\n* Take five-minute showers instead of 10 minute showers and turn off the water while washing your hair.
\n* When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
\n* Don\u2019t use the toilet as a wastebasket, rather throw rubbish into your bin.
\n* Keep a jug or bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap to get cool water.
\n* If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don\u2019t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
\n* Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.
\nBy making these simple adjustments to your lifestyle you can help save our country\u2019s precious water.<\/p>\n