Summer Sustainability Series: Smart Water Use

As summer is arriving, saving water resources is becoming even more important. This week, our Student Sustainability Team provide some actionable insights to encourage eco-conscious water use without compromising your lifestyle.

Reduce Water Waste

Reducing water waste is essential for sustainable water management on campuses and in dorms:

• Address leaks quickly: Report any dripping sites of water and running toilets in your dorm or apartment to prevent unnecessary water loss.
• Mind your water use in daily life: Turn off taps when not in use, while brushing your teeth, or when washing dishes or clothes.

Adopt Water Saving Habits

Implementing simple, effective, and everyday habits can really help reduce water consumption:

• Full loads only: Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads to maximise efficiency as they can clean dishes and clothes quickly without using much water.
• Reuse water: Collect water used for rinsing fruit and vegetables to water plants or for other non-drinking uses.
• Smart dishwashing: When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and another with rinse water instead of letting the tap run.

Participate in Campus Initiatives

Get involved in University programs that promote water conservation:

• Water conservation challenges: Participate in dorm or campus-wide water-saving competitions to motivate collective action.
• Sustainability workshops: Attend workshops hosted by the Student Sustainability Team to learn more about water-saving techniques and technologies.

Conserve Water in Daily Routines

• Small adjustments in your daily routines can make a big difference:
• Time your showers: Use a timer to keep showers short, aiming for five minutes or less in order not to waste that much water.
• Turn off the tap: Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving. Turn it on only when necessary.
• Quick fixes: Place a bucket in the shower to collect water as it heats up, then use it for cleaning or watering plants.

Educate and Advocate for Water Saving

• Raising awareness and advocating for sustainable water usage are key to fostering a culture of conservation:
• Spread the word: Share information with classmates and friends about the importance of water conservation and simple actions they can take to reduce water wastage.
• Support conservation initiatives: Participate in or support campus and community water-saving campaigns and educational workshops to drive positive change.

By introducing these techniques to your daily life, you can play a pivotal role in conserving and saving water, and also encourage others to do the same. For more tips and updates from our Student Sustainability Team, follow us on Instagram @uowsustainable.