MANILA, Philippines -- The old-fashioned ways of handling water may just be the key to averting a water shortage and coping with the scorching summer heat, according to the Ecowaste Coalition.

The environmental group said the prevailing heat should not be made an excuse to waste water. The group listed 15 simple water-saving measures for Filipino households.

"We really need to bring back the low-tech practices of our [grandmothers] ... to conserve our precious water resources," the Ecowaste Coalition said in a statement.

It said the consumption of water would rise in warmer days ahead.

Here are its water-saving tips:

? Repair all dripping faucets, pipes, water containers and toilet tanks.

? Don?t hose down your driveway or footpath to clean it; use a "walis tingting" instead.

? Keep a bucket in the bathroom and laundry area for the gray water and use it for flushing the toilet, cleaning floors, or dampening dusty roads.

? Collect water dripping from air conditioners and use it to wash your mop or water the plants.

? Organize your laundry schedule to ensure a full load for the washing machine.

? Use fewer cooking and dining utensils and dishes to cut down on the water needed for dish washing.

? Don?t leave drinks unfinished during meals.

? Thaw frozen meat in the refrigerator overnight, not under running water.

? Use a glass of water when brushing your teeth. Don't let the water run while you shave or wash your face and hands.

? Keep your bath short. Use timba (pail) and tabo (dip.)

? Fill a half-gallon container, seal and put inside the toilet tank to cut on water use in every flush.

? Use laundry water for cleaning used bottles, cans and other recyclables, blinds, rugs, doormats and car wheels.

? Wash fruits and vegetables in a palanggana (pan) instead of running water from the tap; reuse the water for the plants.

? Don?t throw rice wash down the drain; use it for washing dishes or watering plants.

? Harvest rainwater through the alulod (gutter) and use it for your essential needs.

Days earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) advised the public to expect warmer days in the months of April and May.

It warned that the temperature could rise to a scalding 38 degrees Celsius in Metro Manila and up to 40 degrees in northern Luzon, particularly in Cagayan province.

But the afternoon rain showers experienced in Metro Manila lately could be an extra source of water for some households.

According to weather specialist Nonoy About, the rain showers that come "in patches" in the afternoon or early evening are a normal occurrence during the summer season.

"This is what we call a local thunderstorm, which is due to extreme heating of the land and sea surfaces," About told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on the phone on Wednesday.