Water is the most precious of natural resources and is necessary for all life. During droughts and times of low rainfall when water sources are low water sources may be dwindling. All living things, humans, animals and plant life may need to conserve. People with their superior intelligence will need to map out water saving plans. These will include cutting down on their own consumption of water, as well as not allowing pets and farm animals not to pollute or waste water in their troughs and watering bowls and rationing water for gardens and lawns.
Do not water lawns, do not steam clean pavements and sidewalks and do no major inside cleaning jobs inside that will use excess water. Use recycled water for necessary cleaning. And even laundry should be carefully considered and water used for washing only dirty, not slightly wrinkled clothes.
Shower briefly and only when necessary; many times a brief sponge bath will freshen one and there will be no need for more than a sink full of water. After bathing the water can be recycled by washing underwear, socks etc., and will space the need for large laundry loads. This may seem like water conservation overkill but remember droughts are serious and getting in the habit to switch to a strict mode of water usage may need much pre-emergency practice sessions.
Turn the tap off when brushing teeth and use only a small amount to rinse mouth and tooth brush. An eight ounce glass of water will be enough to rinse both mouth and brush. In times of severe water shortage find alternative means of hand washing that will remove germs but still will not use up too much precious water. Hand sanitizers or hand wipes while being slightly more expensive may be the best option. But in mild situations and these are more likely the near normal times, soap up the hands and swish around while water is turned off. Then turn the water back on to rinse. In severe situations save this water in plastic jugs to be used other household cleaning jobs.
Conserving rain water for gardens
Gardens will not survive droughts if deprived of water. Pre-planning for an impending drought during rainy seasons by collecting water from downspouts is one way of getting through these tough times. In addition to that, collecting recycled water and dumping it in the needed garden areas will also help. Hauling in water from lakes and other places that have water to spare may also be necessary.
Alternatives to water use
Both animals—humans and livestock and pets—need more water in hot dry times. Try to find ways of needing less water during these times to offset much of the need for extra water. Work in the garden in the early hours of the morning and in the late hours of night and during the hottest times of the day stay inside in cooled rooms; this will reduce the need for excessive water use. This of course is dependent on the type of work one must do.
Shield delicate vegetables and other thirsty vegetation from the hot sunshine by covering with gauze lengths to cut down on heat and the need for excess water. Be practical; although it is heartbreaking to ignore the flowers, if they aren’t edible don’t water them. Remember the talk is of drought and hot dry times when water is scarce and not normal or near normal times.
If you’re lucky enough to live nearby creeks where water is still trickling by, this will be the alternative source for watering both plants and animals. Grab that bucket or stashed away milk jugs or rig up a hose and plan on keeping both animals and plants alive until the next deluge.
Saving money by conserving water
Up to this point preserving life has been the discussion. But Money Pit has another viewpoint, that of saving money by using less money. They suggest some genuine ways to allow technology to help you conserve: Low flow shower heads; water faucet aerators; toilet tune-ups; low water landscaping are all ways they believe you can cut down on water use.
For whatever reasons you cut back on water usage know that you are earning your green badge as an environmentalist. No longer is it possible to overuse water—and the rest of earth’s natural resources and not have to pay a penalty, either in money or in some other tangible way.
