Water is one natural commodity that we have always taken for granted. But with water scarcity becoming a rising global problem, the need for water conservation has become extremely important. 

As individuals, we can start by reducing water consumption in our homestead. Here are eight effective water conservation tips to help you start.

1. Fix the Leaks

It is common for leaks and drips from taps and fittings to go unnoticed and not be taken seriously. To start with, fix any leaks in the pipelines and fittings and turn off the faucets tightly. Leaks can not only inflate your water bills but can also damage the walls and your carefully designed rodent proof storage system.

Even one drip per second can amount to thousands of gallons in a year. Make sure that there are no leaks from equipment like dishwashers and water heaters.

2. Watering Plants in The Right Way

Avoid watering plants during the hottest part of the day or on highly windy days. This will reduce the rate of evaporation and ensure that the water percolates deep into the soil. Choosing drip irrigation is another effective way to reduce runoff and conserve water. 

In case you are using emitters, choose a water-efficient design. Installing a weather-based irrigation controller can reduce water wastage by a lot. Take professional help to choose drought-tolerant plants that will thrive well in your locality. Reducing the overall lawn area is also an effective way of reducing water consumption.

3. Change Hygiene Routines

By simply reducing the time under the shower, we can save gallons of water. Turn off the water while you soap up, lather your hands or brush your teeth. Another effective step is using systems like low-flow showerheads or water aerators to save water. Steam showers are another great option to save water.

It is best to use a thermostat to regulate the water temperature. Ensure that the insulation of the hot water pipes is fully intact. This will help in water as well as power saving. While you are waiting for the shower to run hot, catch the cold water in a bucket. This can be reused later.

4. Save Water in the Kitchen 

When it comes to the kitchen, the first step is to use fewer dishes and plates to reduce water use. Soak food encrusted dishes for a few hours to ensure an easy cleanup with less water. Using a dishwasher will help you save more water than washing dishes by hand. Running a dishwasher at full loads is the most economical option. While hand washing dishes, do not leave the water running while rinsing. Use a pan of hot water or a spray device.

5. Reusing Greywater

Reusing greywater can be a significant step towards water conservation. Used water from showers, washing machines, and sinks can be routed directly for purposes like toilet flushing and garden irrigation. However, water from the kitchen sink or dishwasher can contain organic matter and needs to be filtered effectively. With an advanced greywater recycling system, it can also be used for kitchen use or washing laundry.

6. Rainwater Harvesting

It is possible that climate change may have increased the volume of seasonal rainfall in your area. The advantage is, you can use rainwater harvesting to maintain a backup water supply or as a supplemental water source during dry summer months. Moreover, it is also an effective way to meet the demands of plants and landscape irrigation. The easiest process involves directing the runoff from your roof to a barrel or cistern for storage.

7. Composting Your Toilet Waste

Using a toilet without a flush is another effective way for reducing your water footprint. In addition, such a toilet also keeps the waterways effluent and pollutant-free. A common belief is that composting toilets smell. But with the right use of technology, there is no chance of that happening.

These toilets can also help in reducing the overall burden on municipal wastewater treatment centers. Moreover, with the correct form of treatment, you can also get fertilizer for your plants. 

Also, read about Natural Materials for Sustainable Homes

8. Do Laundry Less Frequently

Laundry is one of the largest uses for water in your homestead. To start with, be judicious about how frequently you wash your clothes. You can save a lot of water by spreading out the cleaning cycles. Also, select front loading washing machines as they use a lot less water than top-loading models. In case you need to wash a small pile of dirty clothes, hand wash them to save water. Use the machine for bigger loads.

Conclusion

There are a lot of simple but effective steps you can take to save water in your homestead. It is time for all of us to take the necessary steps and help preserve the planet for future generations.