Several simple steps can help you avoid wasting money and water.
There are many ways you can drastically impact the amount of water you use, without significantly impacting your lifestyle.
The average person living in the U.S. uses 80-100 gallons of water per day.
Showering, washing clothes, and dishwashing are the three ways we use the most water.
These water saving tips will not only save water, but also save you money.
Shower
Properly maintained, a new showerhead can conserve water while still providing a luxurious shower. Photo: Courtesy of The Transformed Tree Remodelers and Cabinetmakers
The first thing you can do is to reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower. You may not be aware how much time your daily shower takes, and in turn how much water you are wasting. Reducing your shower time by just two minutes per day will save 700 gallons of water in one month.
In addition to shortening your shower, replacing your showerhead can have a big impact. A new water-conserving showerhead can be relatively inexpensive, and although it conserves water, it can still provide a luxurious shower. Some models even come with different settings that control the amount of water produced, allowing more efficient control of your water consumption. Changing out a showerhead is a simple project that only takes a few minutes.
Maintenance will also maximize your showerhead’s performance, giving you a better shower and helping conserve water. Calcium and lime often build up and can clog the small delivery holes in the showerhead, resulting in less water being distributed. Simply taking a sewing needle or a paper clip and removing the deposits can remedy this. Also, soaking your showerhead in white vinegar overnight is an environmentally friendly and extraordinarily effective way to improve showerhead efficiency.
New appliances provide greater efficiency and increased water conservation. Photos: Courtesy of The Transformed Tree Remodelers and Cabinetmakers
Dishwasher/Washing Machines
Washing clothes and dishes is a major part of water consumption. Just being mindful of how you do these routine chores can save gallons and gallons of water.
Making sure you only wash clothes when you have a full load, or running the dishwasher when it is completely full will save on your water and energy bill, while also conserving water. Energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers are also beneficial to water conservation.
Efficiency
Technology is constantly evolving, allowing us to do things more easily, quickly and efficiently. Home appliances are more efficient than ever. Washing machines and dishwashers are using less water and energy, while still getting the job done. Water heaters are also evolving. Tankless models have recently become quite popular. By only heating water when you need it, tankless water heaters provide a higher level of functionality and use less energy and water.
If you are unable to upgrade to more energy efficient appliances, there are other ways you can be more efficient, conserve water, and save money. Be proactive, and don’t ignore that leaky faucet. Sources say a leaking faucet losing two drops per minute will waste more than 100 gallons of water a year. Contacting a professional is another great way to give you support. Each home is different, and a plumbing professional will be able to walk you through your needs, giving you conservation guidance.
