“My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them.” –Mitch Hedberg
The public should be paying attention to what those who are in charge of the local water supply are saying as El Niño conditions continue to wreak havoc across the Philippines. If they say water levels as local dams have dipped below critical levels, consumers should do their part to mitigate the situation. While a rice shortage can be managed over a certain period of time, water cannot – one cannot live for more than five to seven days without water.
Use water wisely
They say, when washing dishes, “Don’t let the water run.” One way of conserving water is using two basins and filling one with wash water and the other for rinsing; however, dishwashers typically use less water than washing by hand (plus, if the dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing).
One can also designate a glass for drinking water, or refill a water bottle, as a means of cutting down the number of glasses to wash. In addition, keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
It is also advisable to soak pans instead of scraping them clean under running water.
Running water also should not be used for washing fruits and vegetables, along with thawing food. Fruits and vegetables should instead be washed together in a pan of water, while frozen goods should be defrosted in the refrigerator.
Cook food in as little water as possible and reuse any leftover water from cooked or steamed foods as a nutritious soup.
Dropped ice cubes or water from rinsing fruit and vegetables can also be used to water houseplants.
Conserving while keeping clean
While doing laundry, if using a washing machine, match the water level to the size of the load. In addition, washing dark clothes in cold water saves on both water and energy, along with helping clothes retain their color.
In the bathroom, shorten shower times (keeping it under five minutes saves up to 1,000 gallons of water a month); make sure to test toilets for leaks; if the toilet flapper does not close properly, replace it; turn off the water when brushing teeth, washing hair, and washing hands; consider a dual-flush toilet, which offers a half-flush for liquid waste and full-flush for solid waste; plug the sink instead of leaving water running when rinsing out a razor; and drop toilet tissue into the trash instead of flushing them.
It is also important to ensure children are taught to shut off faucets when they are not in use.
Keep a close eye on things
Monitor water bills for unusually high usage, which could be an indicator of a leak; in addition, check hoses, connectors, faucets, and pipes for leaks.
If there is a leak that needs fixing, make sure to inform a property manager or handyman.
In the end, compile one’s daily water usage and compare it to others.
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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo/WDJ