Most parts of our beautiful country are in desperate need of rain.  There have been many prayer meetings and posts circulating about it, but unfortunately, when we do then get a bit of rain, we all seem to quickly forget!  But we still have not had nearly enough rain.

Many dams are still bone dry, many towns have no water or water restrictions.  Farmers crops (our food), are still suffering as are animals, both farm and those in the wild.  The Vaal dam is currently at 27%! The Vaal supplies the Gauteng area – so every time you switch on your tap – you are contributing to the emptying of this dam!

There are a gazillion different ways to save water – here are just some of the super easy ones.  Another idea – print off a picture of the dam or farmers suffering crop and stick it on your fridge or in your bathroom cabinet.  Or put a memo up to remind yourselves to continually pray for rain.

In the bathroom:

• Make sure you have the water reducing tap and shower heads.
• Shower rather than bath
• Take navy showers (switch off water between soaping, shaving, scrubbing etc)
• Keep a bucket at your feet to collect water whilst showering
• Place a water saving “brick” or bottle filled with water in the cistern
• Place a tub under tap to collect water whilst waiting for it to get hot
• If it’s yellow let it mellow ….
• Fine family members for taking long showers!

In the kitchen:

• Place a tub under tap to collect water whilst waiting for it to get hot
• Place soap on scourer and wash dishes, then quick rinse rather than filling sink with water
• Wait till you have a load of dishes rather than bit by bit
• Leave the tub in the sink to catch water from washing hands
• Use eco friendly soap, then you can use dirty water to water plants

General:

• Get a jojo or drum to collect rain water from gutters
• If you can afford it – install a grey water system
• Leave buckets / large tubs outside instead of storing indoors, to collect rainwater (amazing how fast these fill)
• If you must wash your car, try and wash it on the lawn. Use a bucket of water (ideally water you have been collecting) rather and be super frugal with the hose.
• Use lots of mulch in your flower and veg beds to keep moisture in.
• When watering plants, only do so super early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid evaporation.
• Don’t use a hose to clean patios and driveways – use a broom
• Don’t encourage water toys with kids – great opportunity to educate them why!
• Educate kids on turning taps on gently and turning off tightly – and why.
• Check all your taps and pipes for leaks and drips
• When mowing the lawn, leave the cuttings on the lawn to cool the lawn and protect roots. Acts as a mulch.
• Use drip irrigation rather than sprinklers where suitable

We can all play our part in saving water – where ever we are in the world, even when it is raining outside!

Feel free to share in the comments any other ideas of how you are saving water.

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