September 2012


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Wise use of our water

By Rajesh Kandhai

The environmental issues associated with water consumption include resource depletion as well as the impacts associated with treating water to bring it to a quality fit for consumption. In Trinidad and Tobago, this involves chlorination (destroying pathogens in the untreated water) and use of flocculants (removing sediment).
Additionally the impacts of water shortage are well known. We have experienced severe dry spells in the past. According to the ODPM, a severe drought was experienced in the last three months of 2009 extending into the first quarter of 2010. Individuals should adapt lifestyles to more fully integrate water conservation practices into daily routines as these can ease the effects of a drought.
In many parts of Trinidad we are still paying fixed water rates domestically. There are now efforts to install meters and charge consumers based on actual consumption, which will eventually drive consumption behaviors. The following are tips from the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) regarding domestic water conservation.

Check for leaks

  • Inspect all pipes and taps and repair leaks as soon as possible.
  • Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food colouring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, colour will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes.
  • Repair dripping faucets. A faucet dripping at a rate of one drop per second wastes 10,000 litres per day.

The utility room

  • Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers with full loads.
  • Hand wash. Soak clothing with the smallest possible quantity of low sudsing detergent. Pre-soak very dirty items overnight.
  • When buying a new washing machine, select one that uses the least water per pound of wash and check energy consumption.
  • Re-use rinse water for watering plants and lawns.

The Kitchen

  • Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
  • Use a vegetable brush for fruits and vegetables.
  • Hand sprayers should be used sparingly with short bursts of water.
  • Hand wash efficiently. Soak pots and pans overnight if very dirty. Cut down on clean-up by serving more single dish meals.

Waste Generation
According to the Sustainability Report 2012 for Trinidad and Tobago, approximately 1000 tonnes of waste reaches our landfills daily. The waste generated per person ranges from 0.55kg in rural areas to 1.75kg in commercialised areas reducing our domestic waste generation can be achieved in the following ways:

  • Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Repair, e.g. choose reusable water bottles instead of a new one everyday; reuse bottles, smarter purchasing, choose items with less packaging, use and install recycle bins (many recycle collection companies operate locally now).
  • Composting (much of the waste reaching landfills are items that can be composted and used as fertilizers at home).

Reducing our impact on the environment is a collective effort and requires people who care and who are informed.

Rajesh Kandhai is Manager, Occupational Health, Safety and the Environment, UWI, St. Augustine.