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Why conserve water?
Water is a very important resource giving life to humans, plants and animals. Water is quite a strategic resource that is also at the centre of socio-economic activities that include agriculture, health, energy, manufacturing, tourism, transport and construction among others. However, it must be appreciated that water is a finite resource that needs to be sustainably extracted and utilised. Failure to sustainably use the available water will lead to serious water challenges for present generations.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that by 2025 half of the world’s population will be living in water stressed areas. The advent of climate change, whose effects have begun to manifest in many parts of the world, combined with unsustainable extraction of the resource, is set to significantly contribute to the envisaged future water challenges. Already the impact of climate change is being felt in many countries, including Zimbabwe, through unpredictable droughts, rainfall patterns, flooding, and prolonged intra-season dry spells.
What needs to be done?
With water being a finite resource, it is incumbent that all water users use the available water in a sustainable manner and this includes water conservation. The responsibility to conserve water is no longer the business of water utilities and local authorities alone. In most cases water is wasted in the homes through very small and seemingly insignificant habits and actions.
Did you know?
A full toilet flush can use up to 15 litres per flush. Placing a brick in the cistern reduces to 6 litres.
Long showers can use up 4 buckets of water every minute.
The toilet accounts for up to 27% of a household’s daily water consumption.
A leaking toilet may go unnoticed but loses 16,000 litres per year.
A hose pipe uses up to 1000 litres/hour — watering cans or buckets are ideal.
Turning the tap off while brushing saves 6 litres/minute.
A dripping tap wastes as much as 15 litres/day.
Water conservation tips in the field
- Using water efficient irrigation methods such as drip.
- Repairing all leakages along the irrigation system.
- Irrigating in the morning or late afternoon.
- Understanding water requirements for crops at different stages.
- Avoiding irrigation on windy days.
- Growing drought resistant crop varieties.
Water conservation tips in the home
- Using buckets when bathing and not the shower.
- Where the shower is used, fix a low flow or small shower head.
- Using buckets to water gardens instead of hosepipes.
- Placing a brick in the toilet cistern to reduce flush volume.
- Growing drought resistant flowers and lawns.
- Mulching gardens.
- Using water from swimming pools & other uses to water plants.
- Using leftover drinking water (glasses, mugs) when brushing teeth.
- Watering gardens early morning or evening (low evaporation).
- Using grey water to water plants.
- Using buckets (not hose pipes) when washing cars.
- Repairing leaking taps and toilet cisterns.
- Using smaller toilet cisterns.
- Doing laundry using basins and not running taps.
- Washing plates in water-filled sinks as opposed to running taps.
Sustainable extraction & climate adaptation are non-negotiable — every sector (agriculture, health, energy, manufacturing) depends on water security. Adopting water-wise habits today prevents scarcity for future generations. The WHO report signals urgency: by 2025 half the world in water-stressed areas. Act locally, think collectively.
Together, we can build resilient water systems. Every drop matters.