Time to start thinking about conserving water

As we head into what is predicted to be a long hot summer, it’s never too early to conserve water and Nelson City Council asks all residents to play their part and use water wisely.

Brian McGurk, Chair of the Infrastructure Committee says that with a hot summer ahead, that it is prudent to look at what we all need to do to conserve water now.    

“If everybody does their bit to conserve water now we’re less likely to face critical shortages over the hot, dry months ahead. By each of us making small changes, we can make a big difference collectively when it comes to saving our precious water,” says McGurk.

Here are some tips and tricks that you might find helpful to prevent water wastage:
In the garden

• Hand watering is the most efficient use of water
• Water the garden only on calm days, during the evening or early morning to minimise evaporation
• A wisely used timer or irrigation system can save water
• A dripper pipe system is an efficient watering method. Moveable sprinkler systems are the least efficient method
• Cover soil around plants with mulch, straw or grass clippings. This helps the soil retain moisture while discouraging weeds, which compete for water
• Save 'grey water' for garden use
• Don't hose down or 'water-blast' the yard or paths

 
Don't be a drip

• A hose left running can waste up to 40 litres per minute - that's 2,400 litres an hour
• A dripping tap can waste over 1,000 litres per day
• In the house Install water-saving shower heads (less than 10 litres per minute) or flow restrictors
• Keep bath levels to a minimum
• Wait until you have a full load before using your dishwasher
• Wait until you have a full load before using your washing machine or use the half load switch. You'll save as much as 125 litres per full wash
• When buying a new washing machine, consider a front loading type. They use less water, power and soap powder. You'll save around 50 litres per wash
• Insulate the hot water pipes, starting from the hot water tank and moving towards the taps
• Don't use the loo as a waste bin
• Turn off the tap once you have collected enough for the task, either in a bowl or in a sink with the plug fitted.

 
Flush Facts

• It's easy to reduce the amount of water used to flush the toilet: Put a brick or a two-litre bottle of water in the toilet cistern
• Install a flush saving device
• Install a dual flush cistern when buying a new toilet or cistern. A dual system uses between three and six litres per flush

In the yard 

• Cover your swimming pool - you'll stop the water evaporating
• Use a bucket and brush when you wash the car and the house windows
• Collecting rainwater on-site for use on the garden or in the toilet system is a way to reduce the volume of water you require from the city supply

Water is a taonga – we need to use it wisely.  Please be mindful of conserving water where you can for the summer months ahead.

For more information on Rainwater Harvesting and Water Conservation go to the Nelson City Council website.