EcoWaste urges public to take water conservation more seriously
MANILA, Philippines — An environmental watch group on Monday advised the public to conserve water all the more as parts of the country grapple with the effects of drought brought by the onset of El Niño.
In a statement, the EcoWaste Coalition called on Metro Manila households to take water conservation more seriously while also calling on establishments to intensify water conservation measures.
“We join our water authorities in asking household, businesses and government institutions in Metro Manila to use water more wisely amid the declining water level in Angat, Ipo and La Mesa Dams,” Aileen Lucero, EcoWaste national coordinator, said.
She added: “Let us all aim for zero water waste to reduce the impacts of low water supply during the summer months to the people, especially the poor, and the environment.”
The water level in La Mesa Dam is now below critical level at 68.93 meters due to the summer season and the El Niño phenomenon.
Several areas in Metro Manila and Rizal will experience water service interruptions in the coming days due to operational adjustments made by water service providers Manila Water and Maynilad.
Water interruptions in 'entire east zone'
Manila Water on Monday said the “entire east zone” may experience water service interruption for the whole summer.
In order to reduce water usage and wastage, the EcoWaste Coalition listed down following water conservation tips:
- Fix dripping tanks, pipes, faucets, showerheads and hoses to prevent water loss
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, lathering with soap or shaving
- Take shorter showers with a pail and dipper and use just enough water.
- Reuse towels a few times before putting them on the laundry basket
- Collect gray water from bathing and washing and reuse it to wash the car, clean the garage, maintain sidewalks or flush the toilets.
- Place a brick or water-filled bottle inside the toilet tank to reduce water used in every flush and flush less.
- Collect water dripping from air conditioners and use the collected water for washing mops and rugs, flushing the toilet or watering the plants
- Leave grass clippings on the law as this cools the ground and holds in moisture
- Spread a layer of mulch around plants and trees to retain water and reduce evaporation
- Water the plants early in the morning or in the evening when temperature is cooler to minimize water loss
- Refrain from using the washing machine if only washing a few clothes, do full loads of laundry and use the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing
- Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin and not in running water; reuse the water for watering the plants
- Save the rice wash for washing the dishes or watering plants
- Steam vegetables instead of boiling to conserve water as well as preserve their nutrients
- Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not on running water
- Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to reduce water use for washing
- Choose the proper pan and pot size for cooking as bigger ones may need more cooking water than required
- Do not let the water run when washing the dishes, fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water
- Soak dirty pans and pots first instead of scraping them in running water
- Collect and store rainwater for daily chores
— Gaea Katreena Cabico
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