How to Cope With Water Restrictions!

Did you enjoy a steady stream when you turned on the pipe or was there a trickle?

Well if you live in certain sections of Jamaica, having a steady stream of water from your pipes is more of a dream than a reality.

Currently there are water restrictions in areas of the corporate area due to the low levels of water in the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam. The low levels have been attributed to the drought presently affecting the island.

I wonder why every year, it’s the same story. Once there is a drought, the island is held hostage by the low water levels in the reservoirs.

Surely there must be some sort of contingency plan that could be put in place to alleviate the effects of the drought?

Summer has not even yet begun and already we are experiencing drought conditions so I shudder to think what is in store of our dwindling water supply.

All is not lost of course has there are things consumers can do during this period of water restrictions.

Tips to cope with water restrictions

The most obvious thing is to store water when it is available in clean containers. A number of consumers have invested in purchasing tanks which can collect a large volume of water.

It is also a good idea to fix any leaking pipe that you might have so that water is not wasted.

During the drought period you might also have to refrain from watering lawns. Instead of using the hose try using buckets of collected water to wash the car.

While washing dishes, instead of running the water continuously try filling up the sink to rinse. Inexpensive water-saving low-flow shower heads or restrictors are easy for the homeowner to install in their bathroom.

Also, long showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute.

How are you coping with the water restrictions?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: water restrictions