| Eilat is a desert city with limited sources of water. Much of its water is desalinated seawater, while the rest is from groundwater. Hence every drop is precious. Below are some tips that we can all follow quite easily to save water, along with surprising amounts of money on our water and sewage bills:
1. Install taps with aerators/flow-restrictors (‘khaskhamim') on showers and sinks, particularly the kitchen sink, or retrofit existing ones.
2. Install a mechanism for the toilet tank that allows emptying only half the tank when no solid waste is involved. If this is not practical, place a brick or water bottle in the tank where it won't interfere with the working parts so as to reduce the amount of water each tank (flush) involves. As much as 3 litres per flush can be saved.
3. Check the toilet tank that the float sits at the proper level, water does not leak into the bowl, and that the rubber washer is in good condition. Leakage into the bowl can be checked by putting some food dye into the tank and then checking the water in the bowl half an hour later.
4. Check all taps regularly for leaks or drips and repair them as quickly as possible. Often this can mean simply replacing a rubber washer. One leaking tap can waste 90 litres a week.
5. Check all visible water pipes including the ones entering the house (‘chanukiah') when possible, and replace leaky or rusting ones as needed.
6. Ensure that the float in the desert cooler is at the proper level so that water is not constantly draining out through the runoff hose.
7. Check the water pressure regulation tap in the hot water boiler and if it leaks, replace it.
8. In tall buildings it is recommended to check the reservoirs and pumps before summer starts to make sure they're working properly so as to avoid water pressure problems.
9. Choose showers over baths for water efficiency. A 5-minute shower instead of a long one or a bath can save 400 litres a week.
10. Showers: Turn off the water tap while soaping yourself, and turn it back on only to rinse. Years ago there used to be billboards in Eilat saying "Save water, share a shower" - and I've been told they were serious!
11. Tooth-brushing: Wet the toothbrush, brush to your heart's content, and only then turn on the tap to rinse out the toothpaste - or better yet, use a cup. This can save up to 9 litres a minute.
12. Dishwashing by hand: Dishes can be soaked in a basin before washing, to save all the rinsing off or scrubbing under a running tap to get the ‘worst' off. Keep the water off while soaping and scrubbing the dishes and turn it on only to rinse them. Rinsing the soaped dishes can be done in a basin as well, rather than under the tap.
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13. Dishwashing by machine: Run it only on a full load. This saves water, electricity, and detergent entering the sewage system.
14. Laundry: Fill the machine to its full load (or half-load if it has such a setting) capacity, don't waste a whole cycle on only a partial machine-full.
15. Car washing: Use a bucket, not a hose. Even when equipped with a shut-off nozzle, a hose will end up using much more water.
16. Washing vegetables or other items: Choose a basin over running the tap.
17. Defrosting meat: Use a microwave or set the meat out earlier rather than running water over it to thaw it.
18. Shaving: Rinse your razor in a cup rather than running the tap while shaving.
19. Keep water bottles/pitchers in the refrigerator instead of waiting for water to cool off from the tap.
20. Use a broom rather than a hose to clean outdoor areas like driveways.
21. Re-use water from other tasks (e.g. cooking, rinsing vegetables, pets' water being refreshed) to water plants when possible.
22. Cook food in as little water as possible. This has the added benefit of preserving more of its nutrients. Also choose the right-size pots for the task.
23. Don't flush things down the toilet that could be disposed of in the rubbish bin or compost pile. No matter how disgusting that cockroach or soggy tissue is.
24. Insulate your hot water pipes if accessible to avoid waste while waiting for hot water to appear in winter.
25. Use only as much water you need in the kettle - this saves electricity as well as water.
26. When waiting for tap water to cool down enough not to scald you in summer, run the initial flow into a bucket, the kettle, or another container for later use rather than down the drain.
27. Using mulch in your garden will help prevent evaporation and save on frequency of watering. Many people over-water plants in any case.
28. Water your garden only at night. Not only does less water evaporate needlessly, but you also do not scald your poor lawn or plants.
29. Drip irrigation is far more economical that watering with the hose or sprinklers.
30. It is recommended to install a pressure breaker to 2 atmospheres in your garden's irrigation system.
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