Many areas in America have been struggling with drought and one solution to the water problem is to reduce wastage at home. Even if you don’t live in a drought-stricken region, reducing your water usage helps conserve the precious resource and lower utility bill. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says that average family in American consumes about 400 water gallons every day. Using common sense and taking a little care can help minimize waste. Here are top ways you can reduce water waste at home:
Fix Toilet and Faucet Leaks
People never take leaks seriously because they only see drops of water dripping down. However, a slow drip occurring from a leaky faucet can leave up to 20 gallons of water being wasted every day. When you add this to a leaking toilet that wastes up to 200 gallons a day, you realize that a lot of water is going to the drains and you are paying for that wastage.
Repurpose Water
Don’t just let the used water to drain to the sewer, you can reuse it in a meaningful way. For example, when you rinse veggies and fruits, you can capture that water and deposit in areas like the gardens or flower beds. The pasta water that remain after cooking, you can drain it into a large pot, wait to cool, and then use it in the garden to water plants.
Cover the Pool
The water in the pool evaporates with time, so when you use a pool cover, you will reduce evaporation and retain the temperature of a heated pool. Pool covers can reduce the replacement water by about 30 to 50 percent according to the Department of Energy.
Water by Hand
If your garden is small, hand watering may be the best option. Households that water their gardens manually using a hose are able to use less water compared to those using automated irrigation system. They can save up to 33 percent of water in watering outdoors, according to the EPA.
Go with Low-Flow
Your bathroom is the biggest indoor water use location in the house. It’s also the place where you can save much water if you make smart choices. Showering takes about 17 percent of the water used indoors in the house, which amounts to 40 gallons for the average American family comprising four individuals. You can replace regular showerheads with WaterSense-certified showerheads.
Use Handheld Showerheads
Compared to fixed showerheads, handheld ones offer a more bathing experience. You can direct the water spray to the body part you want. It allows you to conserve water and energy without sacrificing on water pressure. A research done by the National Geographic Channel shows that in lifetime, the average individual takes more than 28,000 showers. If you are using handheld shower head you will reduce your utility bills and minimize waste.
The little things you overlook can go a long way in reducing the wastage of water in the household. And remember that every drop saved counts, and the responsibility to conserve water starts with you.