How to Save Water

Water covers 70% of the Earth's surface, but only 1% of it is readily accessible to humans. Since water is essential for life on Earth, reducing consumption is a fantastic way to take action. Saving water can begin with simple steps at home, but with so many conflicting sources of information, it might be confusing to know where to start. Fortunately, Mytour is here to assist you! We've researched countless sources on water conservation and compiled the most useful, reliable tips from organizations like National Geographic, the University of Rochester, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Energy.

Check faucets, toilets, and pipes for leaks. Unnoticed leaks in the house can waste up to 11,000 liters of water annually. For this reason, it's important to check the pipes, especially for toilet leaks and faucet leaks.

• If you find a leak, locate the source and repair it. For severe leaks, you may need to call a plumber and check if your home or renters' insurance covers the repair costs.
• If you're unsure whether your toilet is leaking, try adding a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank and leave it undisturbed for 10-15 minutes. If you notice color in the bowl after this time, your toilet has a leak.

Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Instead of letting the water run while you brush, turn off the tap when not in use. The same applies to shaving—turn off the water after rinsing your razor.

• If you're shaving while taking a shower, turn off the shower while shaving instead of leaving it running.

Install a water-saving showerhead. Many showerheads use 10 liters of water per minute, and some can use up to 20 liters. Consider installing a showerhead designed to maintain water pressure while using half the water of a standard one.

• Depending on quality, water-saving showerheads can cost as little as 200,000 VND to under 1 million VND.
• You can also install a shut-off valve after the showerhead to stop water flow while lathering soap, then easily turn it back on without adjusting the water temperature.

Install an aerator on your faucet. Faucet aerators mix air into the water stream, providing a steady flow while using less water. These devices are easy to install—most simply screw onto the faucet—and cost around 100,000 VND.

Shower faster. Bring a timer or clock into the bathroom and challenge yourself to shorten your shower time, or play a song and try to finish before it ends. You could save up to 40 liters of water by cutting your shower time down to just 2 minutes.

• Showers typically use about one-third the amount of water compared to a bath, depending on the bathtub's size and water level. So, opting for a shower over a bath is a good choice.

Switch to a low-flow or dual-flush toilet. Low-flow toilets use no more than 6 liters per flush, while standard models use 3 or 4 times that amount. With a dual-flush toilet, you can choose a lower flush for liquid waste and a higher flush for solid waste by pressing the correct button.

• You can buy a dual-flush retrofit kit to upgrade your old toilet into a more water-efficient one. Look online for products like SelectAFlush and TwoFlush. These high-quality items help you save money.
• Not all toilets perform well with reduced water usage. You should check how your toilet handles lower flush volumes. If it doesn’t clean properly with less water, it may need more water to function efficiently.

Do not use the toilet as a trash bin. This practice not only causes issues with plumbing and water quality but also wastes many liters of water every time you flush waste down. Dispose of facial tissues, medication, and all other types of trash in the trash bin to reduce unnecessary waste.

(Men) Use a urinal in public restrooms when available. Urinals are a convenient option for men when using the restroom.

Switch to a high-efficiency washing machine. Older top-loading washing machines use 150-170 liters of water per load, but you can cut that amount in half by using a high-efficiency top-loader or a front-loading machine. These machines not only save more water but also clean better.

• Front-loading washing machines use less water and electricity compared to top-loaders, so make sure to research before selecting the best washing machine for your needs.

Only wash full loads of laundry. Don't toss just a few socks and shirts into the washing machine—wait until you have a full load to avoid wasting water.

• While it's ideal to wait for a full load, don’t overstuff the machine, as this can damage it and prevent your clothes from getting properly cleaned.
• Use the energy-saving setting on your washing machine to save both electricity and water!

Use cold water instead of hot water. The process of generating energy requires water, and heating the water consumes energy. By washing clothes with cold water, you save both water and energy. Moreover, cold water helps prevent stains from setting and keeps colors from bleeding.

Dry clothes on a clothesline. While this method might not be suitable for all fabrics, try to hang dry pants, shirts, skirts, etc., as much as possible. Dryers consume a lot of electricity, which in turn uses more water to generate that electricity.

Wash less frequently. Many types of clothing, such as jeans or sweaters, don't need to be washed after every wear. You should sort out what truly needs washing and what can be worn again. This not only saves water but also helps reduce wear and tear on your clothes!

• Pajamas can often be worn 2-3 times before washing, especially if you shower before bed.
• Daily changes of socks and underwear are essential, but you can wear pants, jeans, and skirts once more before washing.
• When wearing a hoodie or sweater over a shirt, you only need to regularly wash the inner layer.
• Hang towels to dry and use them multiple times before washing.

Fill the dishwasher with dishes before running it. Similar to a washing machine, make sure the dishwasher is full before starting it to save water.

• If washing dishes by hand, try rinsing them in a sink or a basin of water rather than under running water.
• Scrape food scraps from the dishes into the trash or compost bin. If the dishes aren't clean when you don't rinse them beforehand, check to ensure you're loading the dishwasher properly, the machine isn't in need of repair, and you're using the right dishwashing detergent.

Avoid using garbage disposals. Garbage disposals consume a significant amount of water to process waste, so it's best to limit their use. You can dispose of food scraps in the trash, or even better, create a compost bin at home instead of sending them down the drain.

Thaw food in the refrigerator. While thawing food by soaking it in water may be faster, there's no need to waste water. Plan ahead and place frozen food in the refrigerator overnight to thaw.

Wash food in a sink or basin. When washing fruits, vegetables, or other foods, try using a basin of water or filling the sink to wash instead of running water from the tap. This way, you save water and can also use the water to irrigate your plants.

Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Instead of running the tap and waiting for the water to cool, pour water into a bottle or pitcher and store it in the fridge. This way, you don't have to wait for cold water and can save water at the same time.

Install a water meter. You’ll be amazed at how much water you actually use. Installing a water meter will help raise your awareness and motivate you to reduce your water consumption.

• If you already have a water meter, learn how to read it. Water meters are incredibly useful for detecting leaks. Simply check the meter, wait 1-2 hours without using any water, then check again. If the meter is running, it means there’s a leak somewhere.

Use water wisely to maintain plants and gardens. There’s a way to care for plants and grass effectively while saving water: only water areas that truly need it and only when rainfall isn’t sufficient.

• The best times to water are early morning or evening to prevent rapid evaporation. Don’t water on cooler days, when it’s raining, or when it’s windy.
• Water your garden with a watering can or use a handheld spray nozzle to avoid wasting water.
• You can set up a rainwater harvesting system to track rainfall and use collected rainwater for your lawn and garden. Make sure to check local regulations before doing this to ensure it’s allowed.
• Water deeply but less frequently. This method encourages plants to develop deeper roots and reduces the need for frequent watering.

Set a water usage timer. Set timers for sprinkler systems and outdoor faucets. You can find affordable automatic timers to install between the faucet and the spray nozzle or set a schedule for sprinkler or drip irrigation systems. Automatic timers can also help you water at optimal times when the water is most likely to be absorbed.

• If you prefer to set timers manually, use a kitchen timer before turning on the faucet or watch the faucet throughout the watering process.
• Learn how to adjust sprinkler or drip systems according to the season. Water less or stop watering during rainy and cooler periods.
• Don’t overwater, and avoid watering faster than the soil can absorb. If water is running off your lawn onto the sidewalk, reduce the watering time or split it into two shorter sessions to allow the water to soak into the ground.

Maintain your irrigation system and sprinklers. If you're using a timer-based irrigation system, remember to check it periodically. Repair any broken sprinkler heads and pipes, and ensure that the water is directed exactly where it’s needed.

• Consider using a drip irrigation system or similar setup for even greater water savings.
• Adjust the sprinkler heads if necessary to ensure water is directed to your garden instead of the sidewalk or driveway.

Don’t mow your grass too short. When it comes to water-saving strategies, taller grass is better than short grass. Taller grass can develop deeper roots and will need less water. Set your mower blade to a higher setting to avoid cutting the grass too short.

• If you live in an area with little rainfall, consider planting native plants instead of grass to reduce watering and maintenance efforts.

Use garden mulch to retain moisture. Applying a layer of garden mulch around plants not only prevents water evaporation but also helps keep weeds at bay.

• Opt for organic mulch materials, which will enhance the soil as they decompose.
• The most common mulch materials are wood chips and bark.

Use a bucket instead of a hose when washing your car. While it may take a bit more effort, using a bucket of water instead of a hose can significantly reduce water usage during car washes.

• Many car wash services use less water than you would at home, and many employ water-recycling systems to filter and reuse the water.
• Using eco-friendly cleaning products ensures that any water runoff can safely be used for watering plants or lawns.

Avoid washing driveways or sidewalks with a hose. If you need to clean your driveway or walkway, use a broom, rake, or leaf blower to clear debris. If you must wash it, opt for a bucket of water or let the rain do the job. Using a hose wastes unnecessary amounts of water.

Cover your pool. If you have a pool, consider using a pool cover during the hot months to reduce water evaporation. In some places, draining and refilling a pool is subject to strict regulations or may even be prohibited, making it especially important to preserve this valuable resource.

Use greywater for flushing toilets or watering lawns. Greywater, which is water from dishwashers, showers, or bathroom sinks, can be reused in many places depending on local regulations. This water can be repurposed for flushing toilets or watering lawns to avoid waste.

• When using greywater for irrigation, avoid using it on edible plants, as it may be contaminated.
• A simple method of greywater reuse is to attach a hose from inside your home to the outside, directly using the water for outdoor plants or gardens.

Buy and consume locally-produced goods. When the products you use, whether food, clothing, or other goods, have to travel long distances to reach you, they consume a significant amount of water. Much of this water is used in the production of fuel. Therefore, it's essential to purchase locally-produced food and products to reduce your water footprint.

• Shop at local farmers' markets or seek small stores in your area where you can buy clothing.
• Rather than heading to large retail chains, opt for local businesses that specialize in the goods you need.

Eat less meat and reduce dairy consumption. The livestock industry uses enormous amounts of water, including the water required in the production of meat and dairy. Try eating more fish and explore other sources of animal protein. The more meat and dairy you consume, the more livestock are raised to meet demand, so limiting these foods will help conserve water.

Cut back on processed foods. Every step in food processing requires large amounts of water. By eating fresh foods, you'll not only reduce your water footprint but also improve your health!

• Growing sugarcane consumes more water than most crops, so reducing your intake of sugary foods will help save water and promote better health.

Drink plain water. All other beverages, such as wine, tea, soda, and fruit juices, also require water to produce. Considerable amounts of water are used to power soda factories and to grow sugarcane and fruit crops for juices, creating a large water footprint. Instead of sugary drinks, choose plain water – it's better for your health and for the planet.

Carpool, ride a bike, or use public transportation. By carpooling to school, biking to work, or taking the bus for errands, you'll minimize both energy and water consumption. As mentioned earlier, it takes a significant amount of water to produce just one liter of gasoline. Therefore, reducing personal vehicle use helps conserve water as well.

Reuse or recycle products. It takes hundreds of liters of water to produce a single t-shirt or a ream of paper. Consider donating clothes, household items, or pre-owned goods to charity, and recycle paper, plastic, and metal. Reducing, reusing, and recycling are often the most effective environmental policies, and water conservation is no exception.