World Water Day: Do your bit to save water, start at home – Here's how

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New Delhi: Water is the elixir of life, but unfortunately, it is on its way to becoming an increasingly scarce resource.

Environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving the water-related crises we see around the world.

Damaged ecosystems affect the quantity and quality of water available for human consumption.

Today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education, and livelihoods.

When we neglect our ecosystems, we make it harder to provide everyone with the water we need to survive and thrive.

Therefore, water conservation has become an essential practice in all regions, even in areas where water seems abundant. It is our responsibility to ensure that we use water as efficiently as possible because wherever we are, whoever we are, we rely on water.

To highlight the importance of freshwater and sustainable management of freshwater resources, World Water Day is observed on March 22 each year.

The theme for this year is 'Nature for Water'.

When it comes to conservation, small adjustments can have a big impact. And the simple actions that you take today can help save a lot – because every drop counts!

Here are some tips on how one can save water at home:

Check pipes for leaks:

Remember, a small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day and larger leaks mean hundreds of gallons.

Shorter showers:

When you use a shower, make sure that you turn it off while soaping up and then turn it back to rinse. Installing low-flow showerheads can also help since it uses less water than a regular showerhead. The best way to save water, however, is to use a bucket to take a bath. It may be more effort but think of all the water you'll be saving.

Shower bucket:

Instead of letting the water pour down the drain, stick a bucket under the faucet while you wait for your shower water to heat up. You can use the water for flushing the toilet or watering your plants.

Turn off the tap while you brush:

You should not keep the tap running while brushing your teeth. Turn off after you wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

Turn off the tap while washing your hands:

Do you need the water to run while you’re scrubbing your hands? Save a few gallons of water and turn the faucet off after you wet your hands until you need to rinse.

Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket:

Every time you flush a facial tissue or a cigarette butt, you are wasting five to seven gallons of water.

Re-use your pasta/rice cooking liquid:

Instead of dumping that water down the drain, try draining your pasta/rice water into a large pot. Once it cools, you can use it to water your plants. Just make sure you wait, because if you dump that boiling water on your plants, you might harm them.

Choose efficient fixtures:

Aerating your faucets, investing in a low-flow toilet, choosing efficient shower heads, and opting for a Water Sense-rated dishwasher and washing machine can add up to big water savings.

Install a rain barrel:

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to keep your plants hydrated without turning on the hose or sprinkler.

Soak your dirty dishes:

Fill up your sink with water, instead of letting it run the whole time that you’re scrubbing.