Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink. Hopefully that’s not the case for you, but it’s sadly the case for some people around the world. Those people are one reason that you should be a good steward of your natural resources.
That starts with learning how to conserve water. It’s a quick and easy practice that benefits everyone. For 10 tips on home water conservation, read on.
1. Flush Less
One simple, powerful trick is to flush your toilet(s) less. One toilet flush can use up to seven gallons.
Use something besides a toilet sometimes. Facial tissues and other small pieces of trash can go in the trash bin, not the toilet.
2. No Water During Toothbrushing
Don’t let the water run while you brush your teeth. It’s a waste. Instead, turn the faucet off.
3. Shorten Your Showers
Showerheads can use as many as ten gallons of water for every minute in the shower. Simply spend less time in the shower daily.
Limit yourself to five minutes maximum. Or, turn the water off in between rinses to save water.
4. Use the Dishwasher
Surprisingly enough, perhaps, the dishwasher uses less water than washing your dishes by hand. Without a dishwasher, you can turn the water off while doing the dishes. With a dishwasher, don’t rinse your dishes before loading them.
5. Put Full Loads in Wash
Your washing machine’s most water-efficient when you put full loads in it. Don’t go with a series of small loads.
If you do put in a small load, set the knob on the machine to “small” so that it goes through less water.
6. Avoid Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposal units go through water. Throw food chunks into a compost pile rather than putting them down the drain. That decreases food waste and saves water.
7. Keep Drinking Water in the Fridge
If you drink tap water from the faucet, you’re used to running it until it’s cold. That’s a waste of water.
Fill reusable pitchers or bottles with mild sink water then keep them in the fridge. That way you’ll have cold drinking water without having to waste it down the drain.
8. Modernize Your Appliances
Modern, up-to-date appliances conserve water. Research your home’s faucets, toilets, dishwashers, showerheads, and clothes washers to see their water usage.
Consider dual-flush toilets and other more water-efficient alternatives. The initial cost of replacing an appliance is offset by future water bill savings.
9. No Leaky Faucets
Leaky, dripping faucets are bad. Up to 20 gallons of water daily can leak from a faucet. Fix or replace any leaking faucets.
10. Water Your Lawn Carefully
Lawn-watering can make up a third of a household’s water use in the summer. Soak your lawn once a week, not every day. Who knows, maybe you’ll save enough water to fill a water production line.
Knowing How to Conserve Water
Water conservation at home is often an effortless, cheap practice. Now that you know how to conserve water, go forth and save the world.
Browse the site’s Home Improvement section for more eco-friendly practices.
