According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the average U.S. citizen uses approximately 82 gallons of water per day. As many areas are projected to experience water shortages in the coming years, you may be considering how to reduce your water consumption.
Water conservation is a necessity, as water is a limited natural resource. To ensure that there is enough water for all, we need to use it with care, minimizing the wastage of this valuable resource.
Saving water at home can be achieved without significant cost. Although there are water-saving appliances and water conservation systems such as low-flow fixtures, rain barrels, drip irrigation, and on-demand water heaters which are more expensive, the bulk of water-saving methods can be achieved at little cost.
Water Conservation Tips at Home
The importance of saving water cannot be overstated. Thus, to help conserve water, here are several tips on conserving water in our homes that everyone should be aware of:
Water Conservation Tips for Bathroom
- Install Water-Saving Shower Heads Or Flow Restrictors In Order To Save Water
Using low-flow fixtures and flow restrictors will cut your shower water usage to about three gallons a minute. They are easy to install, and your showers will still be cleansing and refreshing.
- Take Shorter Showers
A typical shower can use as much as five to ten gallons of water a minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rise off.
- Turn Off The Water While Shaving
Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.
- Turn Off The Faucet While You Brush Your Teeth
There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.
- Check Your Toilet For Leaks To Avoid Water Waste
A hidden water leak in your bathroom can cause serious plumbing issues and mold if left undetected.
- Stop Flushing Cigarettes And Tissues Down On Your Toilet
Every time you throw a cigarette butt or tissue into the toilet, you are also flushing away five to seven gallons of water.
Water Conservation Tips for Kitchen
- Use Your Dishwashers On A Full Load
Although dishwashers use a lot of water and you can conserve water by hand-washing your dishes, you can still save water by running your dishwashers on a full load.
- Don’t Leave the Water Running for Rinsing
Use two basins, one filled with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a pan full of hot water.
- Recycle Water
Although it is not advisable to reuse water for cooking, it is perfect for watering your garden. Keeping a watering can in your kitchen to collect old cooking water during the day is a great reminder to take it outside to water your plants in the evening.
- Keep a Bottle of Drinking Water in the Fridge
Running tap water to cool it off and then drinking it is wasteful. Store drinking water in the fridge in a safe drinking bottle.
Water Conservation Tips for Laundry
- Invest In High-Efficient Washer
The washing machine you choose can have a significant impact on how much water you use. Switching to a newer model of washer will help you significantly reduce your water usage. Using an Energy Star Washing Machine can save you up to 30% in water consumption than regular washers
- Use Towels More Than Once Before Washing Them
You don’t need to wash your towels every after use. Hang them up to dry thoroughly between baths or showers and they will stay fresh for several days.
- Check for Washing Machine Leaks
The washer hose is one of the most common areas for leaks, so you should check it regularly and replace it if it’s worn.
Water Conservation Tips for Yard and Garden
- Brooms Are Better Than Hoses For Cleaning Driveways And Sidewalks
Brushing your walkways with a broom to first loosen dirt and grime will reduce your water consumption and save you time.
- Don’t Run the Hose While Washing Your Car
Clean your car using a bucket of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing; this simple practice can save as much as 100 gallons when washing a car.
- Use A Cover To Reduce Evaporation From Your Swimming Pool
Temperature, humidity, wind, and the way the pool is situated can all affect how quickly water evaporates. To save thousands of gallons of pool water each season, get a cover for your pool.
- Plant Trees in the Yard for Shade
Adding shade trees to your yard can reduce the need for watering, making your house cooler and storing carbon at the same time. Shade trees help conserve water by protecting plants and soil from the afternoon sun.
- Use a Soil Moisture Meter to Gauge When You Should Water Your Garden
A soil moisture meter makes it easy to avoid over- or under-watering your garden. The meter quickly lets you know whether the soil is dry, so you only need to water when the plant actually needs it.
- Position Sprinklers Carefully
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.
- Reduce Competition for Water in the Garden by Controlling Weeds
If you don’t remove weeds, they will take up water meant for your plants. A good layer of mulch around your plants not only conserves soil moisture but helps keep weeds under control.
- Water During The Cool Parts Of The Day
Early morning is better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus.
- Collect Rainwater
One of the most effective garden water conservation tips is to collect rainwater using a barrel because it lets you establish a free water supply. However, some states restrict rainwater collection, so it’s important to check the rules where you live before you start collecting rainwater.
- Use Mulch
Adding mulch to your soil can reduce how often you need to water your plants, helping them retain more water and slowing down the evaporation rate. You can also add water-retentive beads to potting compost before planting.
Conclusion
There’s no denying it: we live in a world that is quickly running out of water. That’s why it’s so important to conserve as much as possible and avoid daily wastage of water.
By following these simple tips to conserve water, you can avoid daily wastage of water. You’ll be able to keep yourself and your family safe, while also helping to ensure that our planet stays healthy for generations to come.
It’s easy—and it only takes a little effort on your part.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned something new from it! If you want to read more of our informative blogs check our blog site.
You may also follow our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram accounts for more home maintenance tips!
