March 17 â€" 23 brings the National Water Week campaign, aptly themed “Water is Life - 20 Years of Water Delivery for Social and Economic Development”.

The National Water Week is an awareness campaign by the Department of Water Affairs. It serves as a powerful campaign mechanism re-iterating the value of water, the need for sustainable management of this scarce resource and the role water plays in eradicating poverty and under-development in South Africa.

The theme coincides with South Africa’s celebrations of 24 years of freedom and democracy. This momentous occasion presents an opportunity for South Africans to reflect on how freedom and democracy was achieved; the progress made in the past 24 years and how South Africans will work together to implement Vision 2030.

Plumbing and Bathroom specialist, Scott Haslam from On Tap, situated at the Park Boulevard Centre in Durban North, gives us some tips on how to save water, as well as ways to teach your children, while they are still young, to save water. A great way is a reinforcement chart at home.

Scott said, “In a nutshell, positive reinforcement encourages the youngsters in making them feel good, also, it encourages a regular behaviour pattern. When a favourable outcome, event, or reward occurs after an action, that particular response or behaviour will be strengthened not only within your child, but you as an adult as well”. In his humble opinion, he added, “Kids will respond more proactively with a “positive” board displayed on the fridge in the kitchen for all to see, rather than a “naughty” board up on display, it is a great idea to teach them responsibility.”

 A few tips from the internet that need to become a habit in our homes:

Water demand is expected to climb 50 percent from 2007 to 2025. What can you do to reduce your personal water demand and help conserve this vital natural resource?  Here are six different ways you start by just turning off the tap.

1.  Save water while brushing your teeth: Why not maintain a beautiful, healthy smile and conserve water at the same time?  While you brush your teeth, turn off that tap to save up to 200 gallons of water per month.
2. Save water while washing your hands: The average person washes his or her hands nearly 9 times per day. If you follow guidelines to scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, you could save at least 6 gallons per day by turning off the tap while you scrub.
3. Save water while washing dishes: An energy-efficient dishwasher typically uses as little as 4 gallons of water per cycle, whereas hand washing can use up to 20 gallons. Just make sure you only run the dishwasher when it is full. Don’t have a dishwasher? Scrape your dirty dishes into the trash, fill up your sink with water, and wash the dishes all at once instead of washing dishes one-by-one under constantly flowing water.
4. Save water while cooking: Wash fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of a running faucet. Defrost food in the fridge instead of using water. When boiling food, use just enough water to cover food. Tip: Using less water when boiling vegetables will also preserve flavour and nutrients.
5. Save water while taking a shower: A bath typically uses up to 30 gallons of water, whereas a five-minute shower will use only 10-25 gallons depending on the efficiency of the showerhead. So opt for a shower to save water but be sure not to shower for long periods of time, as a 20 minute shower will also use excessive water.
6. Save water while filling your glass: Is it hot outside?  Don’t keep running the tap until water gets cold enough to drink. Instead, fill up a large water bottle and keep it in the fridge. It’s easy, fast and cool.

These easy ways to save water will help ensure generations to come have access to one of life’s most vital resources. Pop into your nearest On Tap Plumbing and Bathroom outlets for further queries or specials.