Many of us take our access to clean, drinkable water for granted. We’ve always just turned on a faucet and had an endless supply. As simple as that may be, we must realize that water is one of the planet’s most precious resources. Along with that, the growing population is putting increasing stress on water supplies.
There are already places in the United States with water supply issues. These problems are only expected to grow over time. Beyond the need to conserve water, saving can also be good for your budget. With some minor adjustments, you can still enjoy life while saving water and reducing your water bills.
But what can you do to save water at your house? This post will explore water management tips we can all use at home.
Install Water Saving Fixtures
You would be surprised by how inefficient older water fixtures are. Just using toilets as an example, an older toilet could use as much as seven gallons per flush. Newer low-flow toilets can cut that to less than two gallons. If you flush five times per day, that could result in savings of up to 25 gallons of water daily.
That means you should switch to water-saving fixtures. Install low-flow toilets and efficient showerheads. If you can’t replace your old toilet right now, you could save water by putting an empty bottle in the tank to reduce water usage. You should also try to take shorter showers to conserve water.
Don’t Leave Water Running
We have so many daily activities we do at sinks. Many people leave the water on when they do things like brush their teeth, shave, or wash vegetables. While it might be a little quicker and more convenient, letting the water run is very wasteful. Instead, only have the faucet open when you are using the water. For example, you should use a bowl to wash vegetables instead of doing it under running water. Turn the water off when washing your hands and brushing your teeth. These are small steps that can save a lot of water.
Ditch the Swimming Pool
Do you have a swimming pool in your yard? If so, it might be one of the biggest water consumers on your property. You should consider removing it if you really want to save water. The savings you see next summer will be significant. You should also look at other water features. If you have things like ponds or fountains, they probably increase water consumption as well.
If you want to keep your pool, you should try to make it as water-friendly as possible. Regular pool maintenance and sanitation can allow you to use the same water for longer. Another important point is to find and fix leaks. However, swimming pool leak detection can be difficult. You might need to hire professionals to find and fix your leaks.
Efficient Use of Water Appliances
Many people think they must stop using their dishwasher or washing machine to save water. It used to be true that it was more efficient to wash by hand than to use these appliances. However, modern appliances are much better at conserving water than older models. As long as you have a newer dishwasher or washing machine, it is probably more efficient than handwashing. However, that is only true if you are running full loads. That means you should only run these machines when they are full.
Be Smart About Lawn Watering
Your lawn can be another thirsty feature of your home. It gets even worse when you consider that most people do not think much about how they water. Get familiar with your lawn and learn how frequently it needs watering. Another tip is that you can conserve water by only watering when it is cool outside. That way, more water absorbs into the lawn instead of evaporating.
For more water savings, you could consider alternative ground cover. By switching to artificial grass, you won’t have to water at all. Modern artificial turf looks much more like natural grass than it used to. Along with that, it’s an easy way to guarantee you always have a green lawn and it never needs mowing.
Check Your Home for Leaks
Maybe you have noticed a small leak and don’t think it’s a big deal. Those small drops of water can add up. It is especially true if you have multiple leaks in your house. Along with that, some leaks could pose the risk of water damage. That means you should check all your faucets, pipes, showers, and toilets for leaks. You can use this handy checklist from the EPA to help you find leaks in your home.
Following these tips can do a lot to reduce water consumption in your house. The best part is that many of them will have little to no impact on daily life. Start saving water today to do your part for conservation and enjoy savings on your utility bills.
