06 Apr Water Conservation Tips During Panama’s Dry Season
By Natalie Warner
El Niño, the weather fluctuation associated with warmer weather, has made its appearance in Panama this year. This has resulted in a drought around the country and a late start for the rainy season. What does this mean for you and what can you do to help conserve water?
Unless you are living with a well with an unlimited water supply (lucky you), chances are that you have been impacted by the drought this year. Although estimates vary, the average person uses between 303- 379 liters (80-100 gallons) of water each day. Water conservation efforts are being made throughout the country, including by various Panamanian government divisions. Here are some ideas of how you can help conserve water
- Check for leaky pipes. One drip of water per minute can equate to up to 19 liters (5 gallons) of water loss in a day.
- Is your toilet leaking? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States suggests adding 12 drops of food coloring into your tank. You have a leaky toilet if color shows up in the bowl an hour later without flushing.
- If it’s yellow, stay mellow. Don’t flush the toilet.
- Reuse your towels.
- Wash full loads with your dishwasher and clothes washer. Use the shortest cycle possible.
- Using a sink to wash dishes? Fill one side with clean water for rinsing rather than running the water.
- Use the same water glass/bottle throughout the day if possible. This will slow down how fast your dishwasher or sink fills up.
- Plan your meals ahead of time. Defrost frozen items in the refrigerator the night before rather than using running water, if possible. Need a quicker fix? Fill your sink up with water or use a microwave.
- Turn off the running water when brushing your teeth, washing your hands, and when shaving.
- Shorten those showers. Some shower heads can use up to 9 liters (2.5 gallons) per minute.
- Water plants before 10am in order to reduce evaporation.
- Landscape your yard with plants native to Panama.
Water conservation is necessary at times during the dry (and even sometimes during the wet) season. Small steps can make a big difference. What are your favorite ways to save water?