REUSING & RECYCLING WATER – INNOVATIVE WATER CONSERVATION
The world is just beginning to realize the value of natural resources and water is one such resource. While scientists have been talking about it for decades, an average common person like you and me has started taking about water conservation seriously only in the recent years. Apart from reducing our usage of water, there are other ways to conserve water – re-using and recycling. If you are someone who is willing to take that extra step and be an environmentally conscious citizen, here are certain things that will certainly make a difference in the long run.
REUSING WATER IN DAILY LIFE
This simple step is something each one of us can and should adopt in our daily lives. The water from household chores like washing clothes can be used it to fill up the flush tanks. Similarly, rather than throwing water stored in bottles for a long time could be used to water indoor plants. Water used to wash fruits, vegetables, rice, etc. in the kitchen can be reused for gardening purposes. These are small, innovative ways in which water can be re-used in the households. Keep a large drum or a bucket in your home to store excess water to be reused for your toilet tank and gardening needs instead of wasting fresh water for these purpose.
GREY WATER AND HOW TO USE IT
We use a lot of water for our washing and cleaning needs. This water which usually goes down the drain otherwise can be reused. ‘Grey Water’ is the term given to water used in showers, bathtubs, sinks, etc. which is not fit for human consumption but can be put to other uses like gardening. You can reroute your drainage pipes to a storage tank and use the grey water collected to water your plants. Water from sinks can be rerouted to flush your toilets.
RAINWATER HARVESTING
Rainwater is usually allowed to run off. It could be judiciously trapped and collected to be used for our daily needs. There are ways to purify it as well so that it can be made fit for consumption. This process is called rainwater harvesting. It can be as simple as putting a bucket under a downpipe to collect the water from the rooftop. As a community you can also work with your neighbours to create more effective harvesting techniques to conserve water.
RECYCLING WATER
Just like plastic, water can also be recycled. Recycled or reclaimed water is former waste water which is treated to remove harmful impurities. While this water is still not safe for consumption, it can be used for irrigation and industrial purposes. Conservation of water, just like conservation of environment, is all about the three Rs – Reduce, Re-use & Recycle. Start small and make efforts to save water in your own little way. Each drop counts!