Not only is conserving water better for the environment, but it’s also a great way to save money on your utility bill. The average American uses 100 gallons of water per day, although the World Health Organization recommends only five gallons a day per person for basic hygiene and food needs. Here are a few tips to save water at home, to help your bank account and the environment.
1. Less Time in the Shower
Most of us enjoy taking a long, relaxing shower, but every minute in the shower is using five to ten gallons of water. Simply cutting your shower time by a few minutes helps to save water at home. Showers should be your usual bathing method, because a bath uses up to 70 gallons of water.
2. Save Water at Home by Fixing Leaky Faucets
A faucet that leaks one drip per second will leak thousands of gallons of water in a year. Turn the faucet fully off when not in use, when brushing your teeth, or while shaving. Faucets use roughly two gallons of water per minute, so every second matters. Check water bills for unexplained increases, as this may indicate a leak that you are unaware of.
3. Check Your Toilets
Running toilets can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day. To save water at home, check that the water level is not too high, the flapper is not leaking, and that the fill valve is working as it should. Older toilets use up to 7 gallons of water per flush. If you’re able, update your toilet to a WaterSense model.
4. Smart Use of Appliances
To save water at home, only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. Load your dishwasher correctly to get the maximum use of the space. Some washing machines allow you to adjust the water level for each load. Dishwashers typically use less water than hand-washing dishes, However, if you don’t have a dishwasher, wash dishes by filling up the sink with water instead of letting the tap run.
5. Water-Efficient Appliances Save Water at Home
Install water-saving products in your home. There are a variety of options, including showerheads, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers. Updating your appliances helps use as little water as possible when completing everyday tasks. Most washers built before 2011 use about 40 gallons per load, while modern, energy-efficient washers use as little as 15 gallons per load. Energy-efficient showerheads reduce the amount of water you use when bathing.
6. Install a Rain Barrel
If you are a gardener or frequently water your lawn, use rainwater to your advantage. Installing a rain barrel to collect roof runoff from the gutters is a simple way to reduce your utility bill and water plants. Watering gardens by hand uses less water than a hose or irrigation system. Add a layer of mulch around trees and plants to slow the evaporation process so that they don’t need to be watered as often.
While we often take clean water for granted, it’s important to remember that water use has a significant impact on the environment. Take steps to save water at home to be environmentally and financially responsible.
A Plus Inspections of Texas offers home inspections and well water testing to Conroe and the surrounded areas. Contact us to request our services.