According to Move.org, the average American family uses 300 gallons of water per day, enough to fill a six-person hot tub. That’s a lot of water – which translates into a big water bill.
This fall, save water (and money!) with these simple tips:
Limiting Waste in the Bathroom
On brisk fall mornings, you may be tempted to spend a few extra minutes hiding from the cold in your warm shower. Those extra minutes can waste 5 to 10 gallons of water. In the best-case scenario, cut your shower time down. If that’s not an option, hack your shower by purchasing a low flow showerhead that uses less water per minute.Leaky faucets can waste up to 3,000 gallons of water per year. Suddenly, that annoying little drip doesn’t seem so little anymore. Vow to check each faucet in your home for sneaky leaks and have them fixed promptly (or do it yourself).
When you’re brushing your teeth or washing your face it may seem easiest to let the water run, but those extra seconds and minutes add up to gallons upon gallons of wasted water. Instead, turn the faucet off until you absolutely need it.
Toilets are the top water waster in a home, but they don’t have to be. If you’re able, purchasing a water efficient toilet is a great way to cut back on unneeded water usage. Cheaper solutions include toilet banks, toilet tank damns, or fill cycle diverters.
Water Waste in the Kitchen
Though it may seem counterintuitive, washing dishes by hand uses much more water than opting for the dishwasher – especially high-efficiency models. If you must hand wash your dishes, make sure you’re turning off the water as you do.Nothing tastes quite as refreshing as an ice-cold glass of water. However, running the sink until the water cools down wastes lots of H20. Instead, store bottles of drinking water in the fridge (reusable bottles – not disposable), and reach for one when thirsty.
Out in the Yard
Your yard and landscaping are the first thing people see when visiting your home, so keeping them green, clean, and pristine are probably at the top of your priority list. However, cooler temps and increased rainfall in the fall months means plants and grass need less watering. Put away your sprinkler until next summer. Also, use a broom instead of a water hose when cleaning off your driveway, sidewalks, and garage.
In the Laundry Room
Clean clothes are a must, but wasting water is not. Avoid using the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 50 gallons for the extra rinse. And try to only wash clothes when you’ve got a full load. If your load is smaller, adjust the water setting accordingly.Consider purchasing a high-efficiency washing machine, which uses substantially less water – as low as 7 gallons per load!
All Around Your Home
Insulating your water pipes is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce heat loss and save water in the process, since you won’t have to wait as long for the water to heat up.Recycling water may seem silly, but it’s an effective way to reduce your water footprint and save money on your energy bill. Collect rainwater and use it to water plants. Use the cold water that runs while you wait for it to heat up to flush the toilet (known as a bucket flush). Stubborn dirty dishes? Soak them in water leftover from cleaning previous (less stubborn) dishes.
This fall, make water conservation a priority in your home with these super-simple and effective tips. Small steps lead to big savings!
