Page 22 - Cornwall Issue 4_2023

WATER MATTERS

TEN

WAYS TO BE

WATER

WISE

Predictions are that the demand for water will outstrip supply by

2025. The only answer to this dilemma lies in changing people's

attitude and thus their behaviour to use water more wisely. Here

are ten tips to save water.

IN THE HOUSE when it comes to watering a garden. Mulch and mulch and mulch!
Where to start The earlier, the better. Try to water the Mulching your garden saves water,
Visit the Water Wise website and use garden in the morning before 7:00 am protects plant roots and prevents weeds.
the calculator to calculate your current or in the afternoon after 6:00 pm. Only Mulch helps with retaining soil moisture,
water use. water when plants show signs of needing making it easy to maintain your garden
it. and reducing the amount of water your
Draw up a plan garden needs.
Take a look at the Water Wise report Make use of greywater
generated from the calculator to see Reusing greywater in the garden is There are many other simple ways you
where you use most of your water and another great way of saving water. can save water. Visit the Water Wise
start there. If it’s in the shower, reduce Make sure that the greywater is suitable website by going to the Rand Water
your showering time. Plan on how for the types of plants you have in the website and clicking on the Water Wise
much you want to save. The Water Wise garden. Visit the Water Wise website for logo for more information.
website has a lot of great information more information.
on saving water and reducing your Always be Water Wise!
consumption. Install a rain gauge
This is a simple way of measuring how
Read your water meter much you need to water the garden
Learn how to read your water metre during rainy seasons. There is no need
(usually just outside your property - for to water if you have received enough
complexes ask the Body Corporate) to rainfall.
see how much water you consume daily,
weekly and monthly. More importantly, a Harvest rainwater
water metre is a great way of detecting if This can be as simple as putting a bucket
there is a leak in your home or garden. outside when it rains, or installing a
rain tank and directing water from the
Make small stickers or posters gutters into the tank. This method can
Remember that some habits are hard also reduce your water bill.
to change. Make interesting posters
that you can put around your house as Hydro-zone your garden
a reminder. This is a fun activity one can Grouping plants according to their
do with children. watering needs not only saves water
but it can save you money. Divide the
IN THE GARDEN garden into high, medium, low and
It’s all about the timing very low water zones. Then water
Watering times are very important accordingly.

20 Cornwall View • Issue 4 2023