Reduce water useStoring, treating and supplying water has a financial and environmental cost. In times of drought, it is even more important that we ensure water is used efficiently and not wasted. There are a number of simple steps that we can each take now, to reduce the amount of water we use today and to protect our precious water resources in the future.
Collect rainwater, reduce your reliance on treated PUC water and save some money. You can connect a tank or other suitable container to the gutter on your roof to collect water during the rainy season. It’s important, however, to regularly clean your roof and gutters to ensure that no dirt gets in your tank. For advice on rainwater harvesting please contact S4S. Install a water tank for treated water from PUC. This needs to be large enough to supply your entire business in case of a long drought, especially if you are based in an area with poor/low water pressure. You also need to ensure that the tank is secure so it is not toppled over by strong winds or damaged by falling trees. Keeping the tank covered will reduce evaporation and keep out rats and mosquitos.
Toilet use about a third of all drinkable water from PUC. You can put a brick or filled PET bottle in the cistern to reduce your water use by as much as 1 litre per flush or install dual flush toilets for your staff to use. Fit flow aerators to your taps and save 4 litres per minute. Regularly look for and fix leaks in water pipes. A leaking tap can waste up to 15 litres of water a day. |
 Collecting rainwater from the roof (PHOTO Sustainability for Seychelles) |
