![Water Conservation Tips]( "Water Conservation Tips") There are many ways and places to save water in your home. Everyplace that water flows needs to be checked including outside connections. Each one that is checked and maintained properly makes water conservation and re-usage more and more possible.
• Indoors
An important aspect of indoor water conservation is to start simply. Keep an ear out and be aware for any drips and leaks around the house. This will start you off on the right foot for conserving water. After this initial check, regular and proactive efforts will keep your house from wasting one of our most precious resources.
Perform annual checks on any air conditioners, water filters and the like, as well as all plumbing. If you do find any leaks fix them immediately. This includes all plumbing, faucets, and appliances within your house.
Pay attention to you water bill. Monthly water bills (depending on the season) should not show any drastic changes.
When you do purchase new water appliances select the water and energy efficient options. Make sure you children know how to turn off faucets and appliances completely. Locate you water shut-off valve in case of an emergency, and install aerators on every faucet. Aerators can save as much as 1 gallon of water for every minute that you use them.
• The Bathroom
Showers are another place where a lot of water is used and wasted. First and foremost, take shorter showers. Showers under five minutes are the most beneficial. Switch to ultra low-flow showerheads as well. This saves up to 2.5 gallons every minute during showering.
Toilets are also a huge water waster. New toilet installations should include ultra- low flush toilets. If you suspect a leak, put dye tablets or food coloring in your tank and wait to see if the color appears in the bowl. If it appears in the bowl, you have a leak! Also, ensure that your toilet flapper stays sealed after flushing. Don’t use your toilet as a garbage can!
When you opt for a bath instead of a shower only fill the tub once the tub drain is plugged. You can adjust the temperature in the tub as it is filling instead of prior to filling. Only fill the tub ¼ full to avoid wasting water. If it’s possible, it’s always better to take a shower instead of a bath. While a five minute shower uses 12 gallons to 25 gallons of water, a full tub requires about 70 gallons of water.
• Kitchen
The kitchen is another high water use area. When you wash the dishes by hand don’t leave the water running! Instead fill one half of the sink with soapy water and the other half with clean water. Let all of your pots and pans soak instead of running water constantly to clean them. Instant hot water heaters are available for the kitchen so that waiting for hot water is unnecessary. Place a pitcher of water in the fridge to cool instead of letting the tap water run until it cools. Select only one glass to drink from daily. This will save on the amount of water used for cleaning. When you do scrape off plates, scrape into a trash can (this can go into a compost pile!) instead of into the garbage disposal where water is needed to cool the engine.
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