Proper sanitation remains critical in the fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. We urge everyone to follow the advice of public health professionals to wash hands frequently and thoroughly.
But even if we’re turning on the washroom tap more than usual these days; we mustn’t forget summer activities that have a much greater impact on water use. Here are a few tips to save water (and money) this summer.
Outdoors
- Regularly check outside spigots, garden hoses, and irrigation systems for leaks
- Only water lawns when needed and in the early morning hours, and not on windy days
- Set lawn mower blades higher as longer grass means less evaporation
- Weed lawns and gardens regularly as weeds compete with other plants for water
- Always water as close to plant roots as possible, and use mulch around trees and plants
- When planting, choose native plants or those well-adapted to your climate zone
- Collect water in a rain barrel for use on indoor and outdoor plants
- Cover swimming pools when not in use
- Wash cars with a bucket and sponge instead of a hose
- Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways
Indoors
- Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets, and replace old fixtures with low-use models
- Take shorter showers
- Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full
- If washing dishes by hand, use two basins rather than letting the water run
- Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water
- Never use the toilet as a wastebasket