This is a big topic, water reuse needs to be far more utilised here in addition to the reduction of waste. However the former may run into cultural issues in this part of the world.
As Qatar effectively has 0 ground water (one of the lowest water resources per captia in the world) all the drinking water is imported or desal. there are major continuity issues with these sources.
Generally water scarcity is more related to mis management than lack of the resource, 50% urban and 60% agriculture is wasted through evapouration and leaks.
Here are some household tips:
Never pour water down the drain if you can think of another use - watering plants or cleaning something.
Is your home leak free, check the meter and make sure no water is running and then recheck your meter after a few hours.
Repair dripping taps, leaky toilets ASAP - to check for a small leak in your toilet add some food colouring and see if toilet water in bowl is coloured. Flush afterwards as it stains!
If it is acceptable to you do not flush paper, insects other rubbish down toilet - this may also block the sewage system!
Have showers rather than baths.
When having a bath only use 1/3 of volume and put the plug in first and use that burst of cold water from the hot tap, don't worry it will warm up.
When shaving, washing, brushing your teeth turn off the water when it is not needed.
Does you taps etc have flow regs or aerators - get your landlord to put one in.
Set correct water level for washing machine
if you wash your dishes manual use one basin and only quick rinse under a water stream from tap.
Does your toilet have two flush setting - use them correctly.
Outdoor savings -
Use one bucket to wash your cars
Early morning is best time to water your lawn. position your sprinklers carefully.
Make sure your grass is cut to 3", this allows grass roots to grow deeper and provides shade and allows water retention in soil.
Add mulch to your garden, this helps reduce evapouration
This is a big topic, water reuse needs to be far more utilised here in addition to the reduction of waste. However the former may run into cultural issues in this part of the world.
As Qatar effectively has 0 ground water (one of the lowest water resources per captia in the world) all the drinking water is imported or desal. there are major continuity issues with these sources.
Generally water scarcity is more related to mis management than lack of the resource, 50% urban and 60% agriculture is wasted through evapouration and leaks.
Here are some household tips:
Never pour water down the drain if you can think of another use - watering plants or cleaning something.
Is your home leak free, check the meter and make sure no water is running and then recheck your meter after a few hours.
Repair dripping taps, leaky toilets ASAP - to check for a small leak in your toilet add some food colouring and see if toilet water in bowl is coloured. Flush afterwards as it stains!
If it is acceptable to you do not flush paper, insects other rubbish down toilet - this may also block the sewage system!
Have showers rather than baths.
When having a bath only use 1/3 of volume and put the plug in first and use that burst of cold water from the hot tap, don't worry it will warm up.
When shaving, washing, brushing your teeth turn off the water when it is not needed.
Does you taps etc have flow regs or aerators - get your landlord to put one in.
Set correct water level for washing machine
if you wash your dishes manual use one basin and only quick rinse under a water stream from tap.
Does your toilet have two flush setting - use them correctly.
Outdoor savings -
Use one bucket to wash your cars
Early morning is best time to water your lawn. position your sprinklers carefully.
Make sure your grass is cut to 3", this allows grass roots to grow deeper and provides shade and allows water retention in soil.
Add mulch to your garden, this helps reduce evapouration
Use a broom to clean your driveway/patio.