Anywhere you regularly use water, there’s a good chance there’s something you can do to use less. And there are three areas of the home where there are probably changes you could start making today: the bathroom, the kitchen and the garden.
If you’re looking for some small ways you can save a little money and help the environment, try putting these tips into practice in the areas where water is a necessity.
In the Bathroom
Be a faucet hawk! Every second the bathroom sink faucet is running, there should be a good reason for it. That means no letting the water run while you brush your teeth, and if you’re doing something like shaving, put the stopper in the sink or use a bowl.
Go low-flow. While the early versions of low-flow shower heads left much to be desired, their state-of-the-art counterparts offer a satisfying shower experience at a fraction of the flow rate. Even better, this is almost always a DIY upgrade that requires only a few basic tools. You can also replace your bathroom sink faucet with a low-flow model.
More showers, fewer baths. Filling the bathtub usually requires about 30 gallons of water, compared to about 25 gallons for a ten-minute shower with a standard shower head. If you’re using a low-flow shower head, a ten-minute shower will use closer to 20 gallons.
Test for toilet leaks. Your toilet tank might be leaking into the bowl without your knowledge, and over time, this can add up to major water waste. Try this test -- put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank, then wait an hour. If you see the color seeping into the bowl, you have a leak. Fortunately, this is also another simple DIY fix.
In the Kitchen
Use the dishwasher. Washing dishes by hand not only takes more effort, it takes more water! Just be sure to wait until you have a full load to start the cycle.
Upgrade to a water-smart dishwasher. If it’s nearly time to replace your existing model anyway, shop with water efficiency in mind. You can choose one that is also energy efficient to save even more money on each cycle.
Favor the garbage can, not the garbage disposal. The disposal can still be a great tool for certain smelly things you want to get out of your kitchen right away, but it takes water to make it work. If it can go in the trash or compost, save the water and put it there.
Go low-flow again with a new faucet for the kitchen sink!
In the Garden
Use recycled water to water your plants. You can easily salvage a bucket of water per day by just placing an empty bucket in the shower with you. You can save even more by setting up a rain barrel beneath your downspout. Even water used to rinse and boil vegetables can be returned to the soil.
Xeriscape. Choose plants that are native to your region so you can water less frequently.
Lock moisture into your soil by planting groundcover around thirsty plants and spreading mulch.
Looking for even more ways to save water? Call your local plumber and request an energy use audit.
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