MANILA, Philippines — Avoiding flushing the toilet, using a pail and a dipper, and saying no to bidets are only some of the tips that Task Force El Niño spokesperson Asec. Joey Villarama offered to the public on Tuesday to cope with the dry season.
Citing information from the National Water Resources Board, Villarama said that the conservation of water could be done on every level: from large subdivisions down to small households.
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For subdivisions and clubhouses, Villarama advised to avoid cleaning the swimming pools. He also said that condominiums could shut down the main water valves during off peak hours.
“Kung pwede naman po magtipid in term of yung flushing the toilet, kasi po, minsan iihi tayo, hindi naman ganon kasangsang yung amoy, o hindi naman kailangan, pwede naman may gumamit ng iba, isa pong practical yun na tip po na, wag po every time na gumamit ng palikuran, wag po mag flush agad,” said Villarama in an ambush interview in Malacañang.
(If possible to save water by flushing the toilet, because sometimes, when we urinate, the smell is not that pungent, or if it is not needed and if someone else could use it, this is a practical tip, that not every time you use the toilet, you flush right away.)
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Villarama also said that using the bidet is very costly as well.
“Walang pinag-iba po yun sa garden hose, so ang pinaka-mainam po talaga, gumamit po ng tabo sa tuwing gagamit na palikuran para po sukat at matipid yung paggamit natin ng tubig,” said Villarama.
(It has no difference from a garden hose, so it is best to use a dipper if you use the toilet so that water use is measured and cost-efficient.)
The use of garden hoses is also not advised, added Villarama.