Water Conservation Tips To Consider
Water is essential to life. While it seems like we have it in spades, it’s more important than ever to conserve water whenever possible. Only about three percent of all water on Earth is fresh; it’s crucial that we be mindful of our consumption. Thankfully, it’s easy to cut back on daily water wasting. Try these water conservation tips in your apartment living or home!
In the Bathroom
We use a stunning amount of water in our daily hygiene routines. From brushing our teeth to showering and washing our faces and hands, the potential for waste is immense. There are some simple ways to minimize the water we use in the bathroom. For starters, consider replacing your showerhead with a low flow, water-efficient model. Today’s models are so well-engineered compared to first-generation designs that you’ll have a hard time believing they’re low flow. Fortunately, they’re easy enough to install yourself, but if you’re not particularly handy, ask your local plumber for assistance.
Taking shorter showers can also help reduce water use. Get in the shower as soon as the water is warm, then turn off the water as you shampoo, condition, and shave. You’ll be surprised at just how much water rushes down the drain during these tasks. You can apply the same tactic when brushing your teeth and washing your hands at the sink. Simply turn off the tap as you take care of business – it’s never been easier to conserve water.
Leaky toilets and faucets waste thousands of gallons of water each month. To check if your toilet leaks, take the lid off the tank and add a few drops of food coloring to the water. Don’t flush the toilet. In just a few minutes, you may spot color in the water of the toilet bowl. If you do, the toilet may indeed have a leak. Thankfully, such leaks are typically easy to fix. Replacing the flapper valve only takes a few minutes and can save you a ton of money on your water bill.
Check the age of your toilets. Toilets manufactured after January 1, 1994 use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush, but older toilets use up to 7 gallons per flush! Consider replacing those inefficient toilets with newer models. Ultra-efficient toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush and still provide good flushing power. Dual-flush toilets are another great option. They allow the user to select a water-saving 0.8 gallon flush for liquid waste or the full 1.6 gallon flush to rid the bowl of solid waste. Over time, low flow toilets conserve a great amount of water and will lower your water bill too.
In the Kitchen
One of the most effective water conservation strategies in the kitchen is to install faucet aerators. You’ll likely never notice the reduced flow to your kitchen sink, but you’ll cut your water consumption in half. Easy to install and more affordable than you might expect, faucet aerators require a bit of plumbing knowledge for installation, but professionals can help make the process easy.
While you’re at it, only run the dishwasher when it’s full. You’ll save water, money, detergent, and energy all in one fell swoop. To maximize your water conservation efforts in the kitchen, use your garbage disposal sparingly. It’s deceptively wasteful when it comes to water. You can also cut back on the water by scraping dishes directly into the garbage can instead of rinsing it into the disposal. Your dishwasher can do a lot of the hard work when it comes to stubborn stains and stuck-on food. Most people just use the normal wash setting, but many dishwashers offer several other settings that may be more suitable for your needs, and can save water and energy in the process.
In the Laundry Room
Washing machines require a ton of water and energy to do their jobs. To ensure you’re not wasting water, wash only full loads. Switch to the lowest water level setting on your machine when washing light loads. While you might have heard that hot water is necessary to get your clothes truly clean, cold water will do for most of the laundry you do weekly. Save the hot water for stains and bleached loads.
If you’re still operating an older washer, you may want to switch your washing machine out for a more energy-efficient model. Traditional washers use up to twice as much water and energy as high-efficiency machines. While the price may be off-putting at first, you’ll save serious cash in the long run.
In the Garden
Believe it or not, outdoor water use can account for up to 30 percent of total water use at home. While that may sound discouraging to gardeners, it’s possible to conserve water without abandoning your landscape or plants. Ditch your automatic sprinklers in favor of hoses and watering cans. If you’re out tending to your garden personally, it’s easier to oversee the amount of water being used, but if you leave a sprinkler unattended, it’s easy to forget about it and you can waste a great deal of water.
If you’re really passionate about your lawn, consider installing water-wise irrigation systems. They help prevent water from evaporating, keeping your yard lush and healthy no matter the weather. Drip irrigation systems can be used with garden beds, shrubs, trees, and grass. Since taller grass holds onto moisture more easily than shorter grass, you can even skip mowing your lawn as often as you usually might.
Collecting rainwater is also a smart way to conserve water for your garden. Buy a cistern or rain barrel to collect water from your gutters to water your plants. It’s an easy, affordable way to conserve water while also prioritizing the health of your garden.
Small Changes Add Up Fast
Embracing water conservation means saving cash, working towards a guilt-free life, and protecting the quality of life. A few small changes to your daily routine can make a huge difference in water savings. Whether you employ just a few of the tips above or hope to implement them all into your lifestyle, you can give yourself a serious pat on the back for your efforts!