Save water at home to reduce your utility bill and conserve the water supply. Every person depends on water for their day-to-day lives, so it’s important to use as little as possible. Reducing your usage of this natural resource requires developing new habits. Here are a few easy-to-follow tips to consume less water in your household.
Reduce Waste to Save Water at Home
Turning off the tap while your brush your teeth or wash your hands will save gallons of water every day. Use the water to moisten your skin or toothbrush and then turn it off. When you’re ready to rinse, turn the tap back on. You can also turn off the shower while you lather and turn the water back on to rinse the soap away. Pay attention to the amount of time you spend showering and try to reduce that time by a minute or two. Doing so will save between 60 and 120 gallons of water every month. Install a new water-saving showerhead to reduce your usage.
Use Recycled Water
Look for ways to repurpose water around the home. Reuse pasta water to water your plants. If you have a long wait for the water to reach a comfortable temperature, put a bucket in the shower to catch the excess water. Use this water for cleaning, bathing the dog, or watering plants. Rainwater can also be used for the garden or grass. Install a rain barrel to collect water that would otherwise run off your property.
Save Water at Home by Repairing Leaks
A small leak may not seem like a big deal, but leaks can worsen and the wasted water will add up. Be aware of dripping faucets, leaking toilets, and rusting pipes. Even a slow drip can waste gallons of water a day. If you suspect a toilet leak, place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait about 20 minutes and check to see if the colored water has seeped into the bowl. Make repairs to dripping faucets and leaking pipes at the first sign of a plumbing problem.
Use Water-Efficient Fixtures
Making small changes like updating your plumbing fixtures can help you save gallons of water without much effort. You can find inexpensive, water-saving products, including low-flow showerheads, automatic shut-off nozzles, shower timers, greywater diverters, and water-saving toilets to help you cut water bills significantly each month.
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