Limiting water usage around the house lowers your utility bill, protects the environment, and conserves resources. Here is a list of easy and effective strategies for saving water at home.
Saving Water at Home With Low-Flow Toilets
The greatest percentage of our water usage happens in the bathroom. In fact, thirty percent of the average household’s water use comes from toilets alone. Switching to low-flow toilets is one of the most effective ways to conserve water.
Older toilets can consume up to 6 gallons per flush, but newer models, such as those that are EPA WaterSense certified, only use about 1.5 gallons per flush.
Fix Leaks in the Home Immediately
A minor leak might not seem significant enough to be worth fixing, especially if you’ll need to pay a plumber, but even a small leak can waste many gallons of water over time. A leaky faucet that drips once a second can waste up to 3,000 gallons over the year.
Take Quick Showers
Shortening your showers is another great strategy for saving water at home. Cutting your shower length by even a minute or two each day saves gallons of water. Switch out your showerhead for a low-flow model to conserve even more water while enjoying your shower.
Make Use of Rainwater
Rainwater is not safe for drinking, but you can capture it in a barrel and use it to water your grass or your garden. Install a rain collection system to the guttering of your home to catch the run-off from your roof. Rainwater can be repurposed for the lawn, bathing the dog, or washing sidewalks or decks.
Saving Water at Home by Running Full Loads
One final tip for saving water at home is to only run your dishwasher and washing machine when they’re full. Both of these appliances use a lot of water, so reducing the number of cycles will save gallons. Don’t run these appliances until you have enough laundry or dishes to fill them to capacity.
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