Clever ways to stretch your water supply during water outages

If you live in Johannesburg, you’re likely aware that several areas are facing water outages expected to last until the end of July. Warnings about low to no water pressure have been circulating, urging residents to prepare for limited water availability.

If you are looking for clever ways to conserve water during an outage, here are several water-wise tips to keep in mind:

Use heating buckets

Heating buckets are a fantastic way to conserve water, and especially during the winter. Fill a heating bucket with water – you can find them on Takealot, or at Makro. Heat as needed for washing dishes or taking a quick sponge bath. This method ensures you use only the necessary amount of water.

Fill five liter bottles for flushing the toilet

Did you know that flushing the toilet can consume a significant amount of water? If you’ve got five liter bottles lying around, fill them with water to use specifically for flushing. This way, you can control the amount of water used per flush and avoid unnecessary waste.

Unsplash / Bibi Pace

Use greywater where you can

Greywater is waste water from baths, sinks, washing machines, and other kitchen appliances. Collect this water and use it for flushing toilets, watering plants, or even mopping floors. Ensure that the greywater doesn’t contain harsh chemicals that could harm plants or damage plumbing.

Reach for the hand sanitiser

Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers to clean your hands without using water. Of course, soap and water still works best. However, if your hands need a quick swipe, it’s worth reaching for the sanitiser instead.

Become a rainwater collector

If possible, set up a rainwater collection system. Use buckets, basins, or specially designed rain barrels to catch and store rainwater. This water can be used for various non-potable needs, like flushing toilets, cleaning, and watering plants.

ALSO SEE: TOP 4 BUDGET-FRIENDLY HEATING SOLUTIONS FOR WINTER