Water conservation is not a new trend. We’ve all seen the ads and heard the many reasons why conserving water is good for us and good for our environment. But like many things that we know are good for us, we often become complacent and old habits creep back into our daily life. These days, the cost of utilities is skyrocketing, and conservation is important for homeowners if they want to manage their bills. There are some easy things that you and your family can do to minimize your water consumption every day.
Dishwasher Water Conservation
Run the dishwasher when full. You use the same amount of water, whether it is full or partially full.
Faucet Aerators
Install faucet aerators on your faucets. This device screws onto the bottom of the faucet and will reduce the water flow without reducing the water pressure. Many newer faucets have this feature built-in.
Cooling Drinking Water
Keep drinking water in a container in the fridge. This simple practice will give you ready access to cold water and will not waste water down the drain while you wait for it to run cold.
Low Flow Shower Head
Install a low-flow shower head. These showerheads use only 2.5 gallons per minute versus older models, which can use as much as 5.5 gallons per minute. This simple change can reduce your water bill by 25% or more!
Faucet Leaks & Increase in Water Bill
Repair faucet leaks as soon as they occur. A dripping faucet can waste as much as 1,000 gallons or more annually.
Toilet Leaks
Check your toilets for leaks and repair them as soon as you notice them. Again, this minor problem can waste as much as 500 gallons of water daily. If you suspect a leak, but you’re unsure of the source, have a plumber check and repair the leak.
Toilet flappers should also be replaced yearly. These often break down, and the result is a slow leak. Replacing the flapper can save as much as 3 gallons per flush.
Fill Cycle Diverter
Have a fill cycle diverter installed in the toilets. This device is designed to divert the overflow water back into the tank during the fill cycle.
Low-Flow Toilet
If you still have an older toilet, replacing it with a low-flow model will significantly reduce your water consumption.
Washing Machine
Upgrade your washing machine to a high-efficiency model. The extra expense of the appliance will be recouped in the savings on water as well as electricity.
Water conservation in your home is a worthwhile endeavour. The savings on your utility bills can be used for other home improvement projects. Some of these tips require you to invest in quality energy-saving appliances. And some of these tips can be done by your whole family by simply being aware of your water usage every day. Either way, water conservation can be a way of life for you and your family.