Even with the advent of La Niña, some parts of Metro Manila are still experiencing water shortages. Here are some tips on how to conserve water:
THE BASICS
- Always make sure that all faucets are tightly closed. A tap left running wastes 200 liters of water every 5 minutes.
- Check for leaks regularly and have them repaired immediately.
- Recycle water. Use the rinse water from washing clothes or dishes for flushing the toilet, cleaning the car and garage, watering plants or washing rags.
- Collect rainwater from the gutter and use it for cleaning the car, flooring, or flushing the toilet.
IN THE GARAGE
- When washing your car, use a pail, not water hose and a cotton rag instead of a sponge. Not only does this save water, a cotton rag is also friendlier to your car’s paint.
- Don’t hose down your driveway. Use a water pail and broom instead.
IN THE KITCHEN
- Soak greasy plates first in hot water. Wash slightly greased utensils first before the greasier ones.
- Don’t use running water to soak, soap and rinse your dishes or to clean fruits and vegetables. Instead, use a basin or fill up the sink halfway. If you must use the tap, turn it only when you are ready to rinse.
- Do not thaw frozen food under a running tap. Bring out frozen food early enough to thaw at room temperature before cooking.
- Use only the right amount of water to cook food.
- Re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.
- Designate one glass of drinking water for personal use each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.