Water is a precious resource that we all need to conserve. As the world’s population grows and climate change becomes more severe, water scarcity is becoming a growing problem. Homeowners can play a significant role in conserving water by making simple changes to their daily habits. And by making these changes into habits, not only are saving one of the most precious resources on earth by you are also money as well. The EPA estimates that by using water- (and energy-) efficient WaterSense-labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, the average family could reduce their water and energy use by up to 20 percent and save up to $380 per year.
Now I don’t know about you but in this current economy, I believe that ALL DOLLARS MATTER.
Here are the top 10 ways homeowners can conserve water:
- Fix leaks. Leaky faucets, toilets, and pipes can waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. Check your home for leaks regularly and fix them as soon as possible.
- Take shorter showers. A standard shower uses about 25 gallons of water per minute. By taking shorter showers, you can save a significant amount of water.
- Install a low-flow showerhead. A low-flow showerhead can reduce your water usage by up to 50%.
- Use a water-saving toilet. A water-saving toilet uses about 1.6 gallons per flush, compared to 3.5 gallons for a standard toilet.
- Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Running these appliances when they are only partially full wastes a lot of water.
- Rinse fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under the faucet. This will save you a lot of water, especially if you have a large family.
- Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening. This will help to reduce evaporation and save water.
- Use a rain barrel to collect rainwater for watering your lawn and garden. This is a great way to use rainwater that would otherwise go to waste.
- Plant drought-tolerant plants in your yard. These plants will require less water to survive, which will help you to save water.
- Educate your family and friends about water conservation. The more people who know about water conservation, the more likely we are to be successful in protecting this precious resource.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many ways that homeowners can conserve water. By making simple changes to their daily habits, homeowners can make a big difference in helping to protect our water resources.
Additional tips:
- Install aerators on your faucets. Aerators mix air with water, which reduces the amount of water that comes out of the faucet without affecting the water pressure.
- Wash your car with a bucket and sponge instead of using a hose.
- Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down.
- Collect rainwater in barrels to use for watering your lawn and garden.
- Plant native plants in your yard that are adapted to your local climate. These plants will require less water to survive.
By following these tips, you can help to conserve water and protect this precious resource for future generations.