Water isn’t cheap. Unless an individual lives somewhere with perpetually flowing rivers, streams, and natural springs, they probably pay for the water that comes out of their taps. Water consumption can be especially high during peak usage months in the summer. In addition to being an expensive resource, water is also a limited one. Many cities are experiencing droughts and enacting water restrictions as a result of that issue.
Adopt these tips to conserve water at home to reduce the costs and help protect this precious resource for future generations. Some ways to save water at home include fixing leaky faucets and pipes, taking shorter showers, installing a water-efficient toilet, and planting a rain garden.
What Everyone Should Know About Water
Water is more than just a beverage. It’s also a critical resource for the production of energy, food, and numerous products. Unfortunately, an endless supply of water does not exist. Strategies for water conservation are needed to conserve what is currently present and to ensure there is enough water for future generations.
Water shortages can occur at any time. Some areas have constant water issues. Although it’s easy to think that water shortages only occur in dry areas, they can also happen in rainy regions. The process of conserving water is important since rainwater doesn’t always soak into the ground. It can end up in lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water. That means it isn’t available for people to use.
Fix Leaks Immediately
Homeowners who are not sure if they have a plumbing leak can hire a plumber with a leak detection tool to find out if and where there is a leak. Leaks can waste hundreds of gallons of water each week. In many areas, a leaky faucet can cost up to $100 or more a year.
Fixing a leak is generally easy and inexpensive. If property owners confirm they have a leaky faucet that needs to be replaced, they are always encouraged to replace it with a new one that has a low-flow aerator. These faucets use less water to help reduce water use in the long term.
A toilet leak can waste 200 gallons of water a day. In cases when the toilet uses more water than it did in the past, it likely needs to be repaired or replaced. Other leaky appliances and systems include water heaters, washing machines, and sprinkler systems.
Install A Water-Efficient Fixture
When replacing an older fixture, choose a water-efficient model. These are also called “low flow” or “low flow rate” models. Not all water-efficient fixtures are created equal, so choose one that meets the EPA’s WaterSense criteria.
Recently, the use of a programmable or remote control device to save water has been adopted by many homeowners. These devices can help conserve water and reduce a home’s water bill. Fixing leaks and drippy faucets can also reduce water use, as can using a showerhead that has a low-flow setting. Homeowners can use a sink that has a low-flow faucet. These can reduce water use by as much as 50%.
Adjust The Shower
In homes with a shower, a shower timer can be used to reduce water use. A low-flow showerhead can be installed to reduce water use by 30%. Adjusting the shower temperature can also help conserve water. A homeowner can also reduce their water use by replacing the showerhead with a low-flow model.
Adopt Certain Habits
It may seem silly, but shutting off the faucet while an individual brushes their teeth can save gallons of water every month. Brushing teeth with the faucet running wastes about eight gallons of water every day. According to the EPA, the average person uses about 80 gallons of water per day. Turning off the tap while an individual brushes can help them save gallons of water every month. That can add up to hundreds of gallons saved per year.
Even small changes in a family’s daily habit can make a big impact on their total water consumption. It’s easy to incorporate these new habits into a daily routine. And, if family members are in need of a nudge, consider signing up for a program that monitors home water usage and sends alerts when residents exceed preset limits.
Install A High-Efficiency Toilet
When replacing an old toilet, a homeowner should look for a high-efficiency model. These models are more water-efficient than standard toilets. Unfortunately, there is no national standard requiring the use of these toilets.
Different areas have different requirements. So, check the local regulations before any purchase of a new toilet. Reduce the toilet’s water use by making a few adjustments in your daily habits. The use of a toilet that has a low-flow setting can reduce water use by up to 30%.
Install a Rain Barrel for Outdoor Watering
For those with a backyard garden, a rain barrel can be a great addition. When it rains, water collects in the barrel and can be used for watering plants around the home. Rain barrels are also a great way to save money on water bills. By installing a rain barrel, you can reduce a home’s water use by hundreds of gallons of water per year.
Rain barrels can double as a decorative element and add value to your property. Rain barrels also help to filter out pollutants that are found in the water, and they even produce cleaner, better-tasting water for drinking.
Water is the most important natural resource on the planet, and it’s essential to sustain life. Water has uses including economical and medical and health uses. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they are at risk of running out of water and that the global population is currently using more water than is naturally replaced.
Water conservation is a great way to reduce a family’s carbon footprint and help protect this precious resource for future generations. There are many ways to conserve water at home, from fixing leaks to installing new, water-efficient fixtures.