Conserving water is easy if you look for opportunities. Here are seven helpful tips to help you save water at home and lower your utility bill.
Run Full Loads
Only use the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full. If you only have a few dishes to wash, do them by hand or load them into the machine and wait until it’s full.
The same advice applies to the washing machine. Save the laundry until you have a full load. Using a cold water cycle eliminates most issues with color bleeding, so combine the whites and colors into one large load instead of washing a few small ones.
Turn Off the Tap to Save Water at Home
Turn off the faucet when you aren’t using the water. For instance, turn it on to moisten your toothbrush or dampen your skin, then turn it off. Wash your hands, brush your teeth, or shave. Turn the tap on again when you need to rinse. Doing this will help you save between 2 to 7 gallons each time you use the tap.
Set a Timer to Shower
The average showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons per minute. With the usual 8-minute shower, that’s 20 gallons of water. Set a timer to shave a few minutes off your shower. Alternatively, install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water usage to 2 gallons per minute.
Repurpose Water
Collect water wasted when waiting for the shower to warm up or rinsing produce. Even the small amount of water left in the dog bowl or a drinking glass can be used to water indoor or outdoor plants.
Save Water at Home by Investing in a Rain Barrel
If you install one rain barrel per downspout or invest in larger barrels, you’ll save enough to water the lawn and garden beds. Attach a spigot and use a hose attachment to use the water from the rain barrel to water your lawn and gardens.
Fix Leaks to Save Water at Home
When you notice a dripping faucet or leaking pipe, make repairs right away. You’ll save water by addressing these issues and preventing costly repairs down the road.
Don’t Waste Water Washing the Driveway
Cleaning the driveway with the garden hose wastes a lot of water and isn’t usually very effective. Instead, use a broom or water from your rain barrel.
Another way many homeowners waste water is by watering the driveway with a sprinkler. Aim the sprinkler at the lawn and garden beds. Don’t waste gallons because of poorly aimed sprinklers.
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