Even before climate change started making itself apparent in unseasonable temperatures and regional variations in rainfall water conservation has been a concern and the reasons for it as practical as they have been idealistic. Whatever your reasons for making changes to the way you manage your water it’s important to understand what you can do and how it will affect your community, and in some cases the world, as a whole.
Conserving Water: Why Is It Important?
Water may not seem like a finite resource when we can watch it fall from the sky, flow through the rivers, and see the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean, but all of the water in the world is tied together, and it’s entirely possible to run ourselves out of water that’s safe to use. Every year communities in towns that have hot, dry climates find themselves having to cut back on their water usage to ensure that there’s enough for everyone, even when it’s being supplemented by water piped in from out of state.
It doesn’t end there though, when excess water is pushed through septic and municipal sewage systems they can be overloaded, affecting how well they can treat the water and in cases of overflow sending untreated water flooding into the local waterways. Even when within the limits of what the system can process they emit greenhouse gas emissions that impact the environment.
All this said the first and most important reason to look into water conservation methods is to make sure you’re keeping with the rules on local restrictions on water usage in your area and ensuring you aren’t falling afoul of local regulations. Regardless of whether you’re doing it for reasons of personal ethics or are focusing on trying to reduce the amount your water services cost you, this reason will ensure you accomplish both.
When the local government sets standards by which their community must manage their water, they often hire experts to come up with creative ways to do so that won’t overly impact their constituents. Instead of trying to come up with your answers you can lean on the research they’ve done while also looking into guides like this one to help you make changes.
How To Conserve Water In Your Day To Day Life
It may seem surprising, but with a little vigilance, you can find new ways to save water and reduce your water bill at the same time. Water is a significant concern in the world today, with organizations like the Department of Agriculture promoting programs on conservation, you can do your part by using the following tips and tricks on water conservation:
Toilet Tips
Toilets can use an immense amount of water, especially in large families. As a result, the bathroom, and specifically the toilet, bear careful consideration.
1. It’s a toilet, not a garbage can, don’t put your cigarette butts, tampons, facial tissue, or any other kind of garbage in your toilet. It can lead to clogging, which can lead to water waste, as well as interfere with the functioning of your septic system.
2. Adjustable toilet flappers can modify how much water your toilet uses for each flush, making it possible to optimize efficiency by using only the necessary amount of water.
3. Get a Low/Dual Flush Model of toilet with one of these more efficient varieties, saving up to 70% of water per flush.
Showers
There’s nothing like a soothing shower to wash away stress at the end of the day, but careless use of them can run your water bill straight through the roof.
1. Showers and bathing can prove to be one of the most costly water use in your home. When trying to conserve water the first step is to stop bathing and stick to showering and install equipment that will help reduce your usage.
2. Limit your showers to 3-5 minutes, which you can extend by turning off the water while soaping your body and lathering your hair.
Sinks And Faucets Throughout Your Homes
Sinks and faucets are incredibly convenient and useful in every area you can find them, but they can also be the source of water waste. Consider the following to help reduce how much water they use.
1. Install faucets that have low-flow aerators to help save water in the bathroom, and install those that are adjustable in the kitchen where higher water flow may be necessary from time to time.
2. Make use of your dishwasher more, washing by hand can increase the amount of water that you use when doing dishes, so save your hands and your water bill by using that convenient device. Your children will thank you.
3. Keep cold drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap until it’s cold, all that water is wasted otherwise.
Maintenance is Key
Perhaps the most important thing you can do as part of your water conservation maintenance is ensuring that every part of your home’s plumbing is in good repair. Even small leaks can consume a surprisingly large amount of water when left unmaintained.
1. Be sure to check your toilet flapper. If you hear water running for more than a few seconds after leaving the bathroom, it’s possible that your toilet flapper is getting stuck open, allowing water to flow into the tank and down the drain until its resolved.
2. Regular inspections will ensure that you don’t develop leaks, a source of water damage and a massive waste of water. Also, this kind of water leakage can attract vermin and insects into your home.
3. Make sure your pipes are insulated to prevent wintertime freezing and bursting, especially on pipes exposed to the outdoors.
By following these tips you can save yourself hundreds of dollars a year or more, with just a little attention to detail. We all have to live on this world together, and we’ve all got bills to pay, so make sure you take the time to save yourself some money and help out the environment. While you’re at it consider getting an Energy Audit to determine how efficient your home is, from the plumbing to HVAC.