How to Save Water at Home

According to our previous post on water consumption statistics in Singapore, we rank 54th in total annual consumption out of the 180 surveyed countries.

With noticeable changes in climate and the need to reduce carbon footprint, every Singaporean must do their part in being mindful of water consumption in their daily lives. 

That’s why today’s post offers simple, doable, yet proactive ways to save water at home using practical and effective methods.

Fix all leaky faucets and pipes.

Make sure all your faucets, taps, and pipes are working fine and aren’t leaking. Some might require easy plumbing fixes and tools like wrenches, thread sealing tape, and a drain snake.

But damaged or rusty pipes will need expertise that you might not have. In this case, forget about DIY fixes and contact a professional plumber to address the leak situation before it gets worse. 

Some leaks aren’t easily discernible and can only be noticed when the water bill arrives. If you’re being asked to pay a higher amount despite sticking to your average water consumption, there might be a leak somewhere you can’t see.

Take showers instead of full baths.

One great water and energy saving tip at home has to do with how you keep clean in the bathroom. How long and how exactly you take baths can significantly affect your water consumption.

So instead of an hour-long leisurely bubble bath, take short but efficient showers. Beyond five minutes, you’ll have consumed over 100 litres of water just by showering (so imagine your consumption with a longer, more luxurious bath in a tub).

That’s not to say you can’t indulge yourself in a proper bath once in a while to relax. But don’t make it an everyday thing, and don’t fill your tub to the brim!

Replace your toilet with a water-efficient one.

If you’re thinking about a toilet renovation soon, make sure you select a unit that’s water-efficient and has low-flush capacities. Doing this can help you cut down on how much water you consume every single time you flush your toilet.

Low-flush and water-efficient toilets can help you save money on home renovations and water bills in the long run, as well. 

For instance, a dual-flush toilet can use just around 4 litres of water per flush. That’s nothing compared to traditional single-flush toilets, which can consume up to 13 litres of water every time you flush!  

Use a water filter.

It’s tempting to keep buying bottled water every time you go out. However, this not only ups your consumption of water but also contributes to widespread plastic waste.

So consider investing in an under sink water filter or a pitcher with a water filtration system for your drinking water. You’ll be able to drink purified water without spending a lot on packaged ones.

If you prefer chilled water to keep you refreshed, pour some filtered water in reusable water bottles and place them in your mini-fridge to cool. This way, you won’t have to rely on iced drinks to quench your thirst any time of the day.