March 22 is officially World Water Day

Tweet

March 22 is officially World Water Day. The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative from the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). In 2007, the theme is "Coping with Water Scarcity" - most appropriate for Australia. The theme highlights the significance of cooperation and the importance of an integrated approach to water resource management at both international and local levels. You can make a difference at home just by following these simple tips: If you have a leaky tap, replace the washer. A tap leaking at the rate of one drop per second can waste around 10,000 litres of water every year. Hot water will reach taps much faster if the pipes that carry it are properly insulated. This shortens the time you have to leave the tap running before you get hot water. If you have an older toilet with a large capacity, try putting a bottle filled with water or a brick in the cistern to reduce the amount of water spent with each flush. Keep cold drinking water in the fridge. That way, you don't leave the tap running until the water gets cool. Using a dishwasher can be more economical than washing by hand - so long as you stack a full load. High water pressure increases flow rates from showers, taps,leaks and drips. If you have extreme high water pressure, a registered plumber can fit a pressure reduction valve at your property boundary. In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair. Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce water heating costs for your household. Don't over-water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer applications increase the need for water. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering.