Conserving water is a goal that is important for all of us. Whether your objective is to lower your home water bill, help your community during a time of drought, or keep pollution out of our waterways, we are all looking for ways to consume less of this precious resource.
By Rye Garden Club Conservation Committee
Conserving water is a goal that is important for all of us. Whether your objective is to lower your home water bill, help your community during a time of drought, or keep pollution out of our waterways, we are all looking for ways to consume less of this precious resource.
Here are ten ways (big and small) to help with this worthy goal:
1. One of the simplest and easiest things is to turn off the water while brushing your teeth. It is such an easy thing but it saves so much water over the course of a year.
2. Use the garbage disposal less. Try dropping the leftovers in a compost pile instead, or at least use the garbage can. Rather than putting all that uneaten food down the disposal and then running the faucet, you can save water and create valuable soil for your garden at the same time.
3. Upgrade or retrofit older toilets. Toilets consume nearly 30 percent of the water used in an average household. Upgrade older toilets with water-saving WaterSense labeled models. Consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid waste.
4. Install low-flow showerheads. The older showerheads use 2.5 or more gallons per minute versus the newer ones that use as little as 1.5 gallons per minute. That one-gallon per minute of water savings can really add up when you have a family member who indulges in a 30-minute shower. The newer, more efficient showerheads make up for less water use by using pressure instead, so you won’t sacrifice on an enjoyable shower.
5. Only run the washing machine when you have a full load. If you must run the machine to clean just a few items, be sure to use the setting for a smaller load.
6. Keep your showers short. By reducing your shower by even a minute or two can add up to big savings over the course of a year. Also try shutting off the shower briefly while you are washing your hair.
7. When buying new appliances, choose those rated by Energy Star. You could save hundreds of gallons of water over a year, if you choose dishwashers and washing machines that are more water-wise. For example, some washing machines can save up to 20 gallons of water per load compared to less water efficient machines. And the efficiency of these machines has greatly improved in recent years too.
8. Check for leaks in your toilets. Simply place a few drops of food coloring in the upper tank of your toilet bowl and then do not flush for at least 30 minutes. Once the time has passed, check the toilet bowl. If you have clear water, then you have no leak. If there is colored water, then you have a problem and should fix it as soon as possible. Be sure to test the toilet for leaks at least once a year.
9. Insulate hot water pipes. Rather than having to wait for the water to warm up, your hot water will get to you faster at the temperature you desire.
10. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you rather than the drain.
Challenge your family to see how much they can reduce the number of gallons of water you consume each month. Best of luck!
