Water conservation is crucial for our ecosystems and the animals that depend on them, while also saving money on water bills and energy use to pump, treat, and heat it. With simple changes such as fixing leaky toilets or taking shorter showers it can save both money and energy usage costs – as well as being easier on our budgets than before!
Other tips include using a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks, installing a rain gauge to monitor usage, and tracking how you use water.
1. Install a low-flow showerhead
Showering accounts for as much as 30% of household water consumption, making it one of the best places to start when trying to conserve. According to estimates, installing just one low-flow showerhead could save an average household over 2,900 gallons annually!
Low-flow showerhead technology has come a long way, meaning that environmental responsibility doesn’t require you to sacrifice comfort. Furthermore, installing one will also save money on energy costs as it takes less energy to heat the water.
To determine how much water your current shower head is using, place a bucket underneath and count how many gallons fill up in an hour of showering. Or use an effective device like this shower timer which cuts off when your desired temperature has been reached, giving you as long a shower session as desired without spending all your hard-earned savings on wasted shower time!
2. Wash your clothes in cold water
Laundry is an integral part of everyday life, and selecting an energy efficient water temperature can have a dramatic impact on your energy usage. While certain fabrics require hot water to wash effectively, most can be washed using cold water instead – helping save both money and energy resources!
Over 90% of energy used by washing machines goes toward heating water for each load, so by switching to cold water for every load you can save yourself around $66 annually by cutting back on energy use.
Cold water can also be an ideal way to ensure fabrics don’t fade or shrink during washing, although be sure to read garment care labels as not all clothing can tolerate low wash temperatures. Furthermore, you can reduce waste by sorting clothing by temperature range; not mixing colors and whites together and selecting liquid detergents suitable for cold wash temperatures.
3. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
Each time someone turns off the water while brushing their teeth, it helps conserve water – something only one percent of Earth’s freshwater can actually drink! Plus it saves money on your water bill.
Water use during tooth-brushing sessions can waste as much as ten gallons a day! That’s enough water for two people sharing one cup each time they brush.
To help minimize waste, try switching to a water-saving toothbrush or installing an aerator that limits water pressure in the faucet aerator. Also try collecting your rinse water into a reusable cup so it can be reused later for drinking or plant watering purposes. Inspect your sink plumbing regularly to check for leaks that need fixing immediately – any you detect should also be fixed immediately!
4. Turn off the water while you wash your car
As water restrictions tighten and drought conditions worsen, it is becoming more important for individuals to be mindful of their usage. Shortening shower times, checking for leaks and using car washes equipped with automatic shut-off nozzles are some ways of helping conserve water usage.
For an efficient car wash without using too much water, the best strategy is to pre-scrub with soapy water before beginning the rinse process. After, use a dry towel to wipe away any residual grime left from this step, saving on both energy and water costs during this stage of cleaning your ride.
Always wash your car in a shaded area to reduce sun evaporation of the water used for washing it off, and if using your garden hose isn’t an option, consider an eco-friendly carwash that uses less water – some even offer discounts as an incentive!
5. Turn off the water while you bathe your pets
Many pet owners bathe their canines by running water through a tub or sink, which wastes an enormous amount of water. By turning off your faucet instead, you could save up to one liter per 10 seconds!
If your dog is uncomfortable with the sound and sensation of water running, try wetting him using a bucket instead. When they have become used to this sensation, then try bathing them using running water instead.
Petuxe solid shampoo offers another eco-friendly solution for bathing your dog in a dry bathtub: its water efficiency reduces water usage as only what’s necessary is added for lathering the product and rinsing away.
Be sure to inspect your household for leaks by closely following both your water bill and meter readings. A hose nozzle can help detect hidden leaks as can using one for washing cars and outdoor items.
6. Install a rain gauge
A rain gauge can provide insight into how much precipitation your garden and lawn are receiving, helping you avoid overwatering or not watering at all. Conserving our limited supply of potable water while saving money and decreasing OUC water consumption makes for great gardening, money-saving projects and reduced OUC water consumption!
Your yard rain gauge can either be purchased or constructed – either way it serves one key function – collecting precipitation that falls onto an inner and outer cylinder.
Location is essential in achieving accuracy with your rain gauge. Be sure that it is free from obstructions such as fences, buildings, or trees that might prevent rain from reaching its catchment funnel. Furthermore, installing it slightly above ground level reduces wind speed and potential obstructions created by strong winds.
Once your rain gauge has become filled with precipitation, use its measurement marks on its side to calculate how much rain has fallen that day. As water surfaces may appear curved (known as meniscus), use its lowest point as your measuring point.
7. Turn off the water while you cook
Kitchens can be some of the highest water-consuming areas in any home, with cooking and dishwashing accounting for much of your household water consumption. Luckily, there are various easy ways to conserve water when you cook.
Consider switching to steaming instead of boiling, as this saves water while preserving nutrients. If necessary, use a smaller pot with only enough water to submerge the food. Also avoid leaving your faucet running when washing dishes or vegetables, and collect this extra water as plant watering or store in a jug in your fridge for drinking purposes.
Be sure to purchase appliances and taps that meet the criteria set forth by ENERGY STAR(r), WaterSense labeling or similar programs in your kitchen. Installing flow controlled aerators on faucets may reduce water flow by as much as 50% while regular leak checking should also be undertaken as it’s estimated that over 3 billion litres are lost daily due to leaky pipes!
8. Turn off the water while you shave
Your household water usage could be drastically reduced by simply switching off the tap while brushing, shaving or washing hands. Simply switching it off can have a tremendous effect on reducing overall household usage of water.
Make the most of every drop of water you use by shaving separately from your shower. If you usually lather and lather while taking a shower, try getting all but washing and shaving completed prior to turning off the water before turning it off; rinse your razor in a cup or bowl instead of the sink afterwards.
Staying aware of household leaks can add up to hundreds of gallons of lost water over time, so take this time each March during Fix a Leak Week to inspect for leaks in toilets, faucets and fixtures around your home. A single toilet that leaks can use up to 500 gallons daily! A leaky faucet could cost hundreds in water and electricity costs.
9. Use a hose nozzle
Hose nozzles are essential components to the proper functioning of water hoses. With the ability to customize how water comes gushing out from them, nozzles allow users to control how water flows out; some models even feature multiple settings for different tasks.
Look for a nozzle made from sturdy materials that can withstand exposure to the elements and repeated use, such as metal (typically brass or steel) with a powder coat finish, while plastic versions might feature molding or rubberlike coating, such as molding or dipping into rubberlike compound. Consider purchasing one equipped with locking mechanisms to help minimize hand fatigue and wrist strain.
Nozzles that won’t turn off are usually due to clogged filters or blocked valves; check and clean these in order to restore water flow.