A few changes in your household water usage can go along way to improving water conservation and save you some green in the process.
Nearly 60% of all household water use happens in the bathroom
· Take showers instead of baths
Showering uses much less water than filling up a bathtub. Try cutting 2-minutes off your time. If you have kids (teenagers) have them listen to music to help them gauge the amount of time they are in the shower. Typically they should finish up within 2 songs. Give it a try yourself. If you do take a bath, make sure you don't over-fill it – you can always add a little water once you get in.
· Low-flow shower head
Installing a low-flow shower head can save you up to 20,000 gallons per year and cut up to 10% on the cost of heating your water.
· Consider a low-flow toilet
Low flow toilets can use 1/3 less water than typical toilets.
· If your existing toilet is older and less efficient
Place a half gallon milk jug filled with rocks into your toilet tank to displace water, this will save you water on each flush. Also don’t use your toilet as a trash can by flushing miscellaneous items.
· Make sure your faucets have aerators
Aerators mix air into the water stream, providing just as much pressure while using a lot less water.
· Turn off your faucet
Don’t run the water while you brush your teeth or shave. Similarly, using half a sink of water to wash your face is more economical than using running water.
· Check for dripping taps
Fix leaky faucets, one drop per second can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year.
· Consider installing tankless water heaters
Tankless water heaters provide endless hot water and can save you around 20% on energy costs. Also note – a family of 3 using 1-minute less hot water can save up to $75 and nearly 2,700 gallons a year.
· Use a bowl for washing vegetables and fruit
Leaving your kitchen tap running while you wash vegetables can waste a large amount of water. Instead, fill a bowl with water and use this to wash your vegetables. Then you can use that same bowl of water to water any household plants you may have.
· Fill your washing machine and dishwasher completely before running
For the outdoors: 30% of household water usage can come from outdoor use
· Consider installing a rain barrel
Rain barrels collect and store rainwater, so you'll have less need to use tap water to water your garden.
· Water your plants in the early morning or evening
During warm weather; try to water your garden during the early morning or late evening, when the temperature will be slightly lower. At this time of day, you'll lose less water to evaporation.
· Drought tolerant landscaping
Choosing plants that require little water will help you keep your garden looking healthy, even during periods of drought.
· Don't water your plants unnecessarily
Always check the weather forecast before watering your garden. If rains predicted, hold off. Also remember to only water plants if truly necessary – grass, trees and shrubs usually don’t require watering.
· Use a bucket to wash your car or go to a car wash
Most hoses use 10 gallons per minute, while car washes typically use 35 gallons per wash. Instead of continually running your hose, use a bucket and sponge to wash your car. Use the hose to rinse.
For home tours, home tips and more visit HomeChannelTV.com.