Climate change and ongoing drought conditions are affecting our most precious resource – access to fresh water. Taking steps to save water has become a priority in many households. March is National Water Month in some countries, which makes it the perfect time to step up your water saving efforts, at home and at work.

Water is a Human Right

Many of us are lucky enough to turn on a tap any time we want, without a second thought. However, there are still millions of people all over the world who don’t have easy access to safe, clean drinking water. We all need water to survive and thrive – and a water shortage is everybody’s problem.

Celebrate World Water Day

March 22 is World Water Day. This is a day created by the United Nations, to highlight the importance of fresh water.

The theme for World Water Day 2019 is “Leaving No One Behind”. This means paying attention to marginalised groups, like refugees, indigenous peoples, disabled people and those living in poverty, who are often overlooked.

Visit the official World Water Day website to find out about local events and resources, so you can get involved and help to make a difference.

Top Water Saving Tips

Make this your month to start getting into some good water saving habits, at home and at work.

At home:

• Fix any leaking and dripping taps.
• Report leaking pipes to your local municipality.
• Make your garden water-wise, by planting indigenous, drought-resistant plants.
• Invest in a water tank, to catch rainwater from your gutters. You can use it to water your garden, wash your car and even flush your toilet.
• Switch to a low-flow showerhead, and put water saving devices in your toilet cistern.

At the office:

• Use a tool like the WWF Water Risk Filter to find out what your business’ water risk is, and what you can do about it.
• Make hotline numbers available in kitchens and bathrooms, so employees can report leaks and drips to maintenance.
• Include tips on saving water in your employee newsletters.
• Report on your company’s monthly water usage, to show the progress you’re making.
• Look for ways to partner with local water saving initiatives.
• Nominate a monthly “workplace water champion” and offer small rewards (like gift vouchers) to motivate your employees to save.

There are so many small but meaningful ways we can save water in our day-to-day lives. Every drop counts, and every good decision makes a difference!

 

Sources

Water and Sanitation Department Celebrates National Water Month. Retrieved from: https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/water-and-sanitation-department-celebrates-national-water-month-13914580

World Water Day. Retrieved from: http://www.worldwaterday.org/

WWF Water Risk Filter: http://waterriskfilter.panda.org/

Be Inspired by the Month of Water | WWF South Africa. Retrieved from: http://www.wwf.org.za/?16761/Month-of-Water