We are rapidly running out of water. In some places quicker than others, but we all need to work on consuming less in order for everyone to continue living comfortably. The other great part about saving water, is that it also saves you money on your water bill at the end of each month. So, in order to save a few hundred dollars a year, as well as thousands of potential lives, here are a few suggestions to help you use less water at home.
How to save more water in your kitchen
Use Your Dishwasher
Contrary to popular belief, it takes more water to hand-wash dishes than it takes to wash them in the dishwasher.
Only run the dishwasher when full – you’ll use the same amount of water whether you run a full load or a partial load.
Don’t Use the Disposal
Compost food waste or throw it in the trash. Both are water-free options.
How to save water in the bathroom
Switch to a Low-Flow Shower Head
Low-flow shower heads use 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm); older models use as much as 5.5 gpm. Make the switch and you’ll reduce your water bill by 25-60% (US Department of Energy).
Take Shorter Showers
Repair Faucet Leaks to Save Water
A leaky faucet can waste 1000-2000 gallons of water a year (National Sanitation Foundation).
Replace Your Toilet Flapper Once a Year
Toilet flappers break down quickly, and should be replaced once a year – even if they say they’re good for longer. A couple dollars spent on a replacement flapper will save you much more on your water bill.
Place a Bottle in the Toilet Tank
Fill a bottle with water, and place it in the toilet tank. It’ll displace water, and cause the tank to fill with less water. Just how much water will this save? An amount equal to the size of the bottle that you placed in the tank. A 20 oz. bottle, for example, will save 20 oz. of water per flush, or up to 10 gallons of water per day according to some sources.
How to save money in the laundry room
Only Wash Full Loads
You’ll save water and wear and tear on your machine.
Wear Clothes More than Once
How to save money outdoors and around the house
Collect Rain Water for Plants
Attach rain barrels to the end of your gutter drain spouts to collect rainwater. Then, use it to water your plants and wash your car.
Water with Soaker Hoses
Use a soaker hose to water the plants in your yard, and you’ll have precise control of where the water goes – and more importantly – where it doesn’t.
Use a Wading Pool Instead of a Sprinkler
Choose Drought-Resistant Plants
Then, let the rain handle all of the watering.
Take Your Car to A Car Wash
You’ll eliminate 100 gallons (or more) of water from your water bill each time you take your car to a car wash, and if you choose a facility that recycles water, you’ll be helping the environment, too.
Mulch Your Garden