Coldwell Banker: Moving Toward a Greener Tomorrow!
Easy Tips to Reduce and Conserve Water
INDOOR SAVINGS
The American Water Works Association estimates the average household uses 127,400 gallons of water annually and 350 gallons daily. Tubs, showers, sinks and toilets account for 85% of the average American’s water usage. Below are some simple and effective ways to help reduce wasted water.
Save in the Shower:
o Shorten your shower by one to two minutes daily to save as much as 700 gallons of water each month
o Keep your shower under 5 minutes to save up to 1000 gallons a month, according to wateruseitwisely.com
o Conserve an additional 200-300 gallons a month by putting a container under the faucet when waiting for shower water to heat up. Use what you collect to water plants
o Install water saving showerheads and flow restrictors, which can save an additional 500-800 gallons of water monthly
o Turn the water off while brushing teeth to save three gallons of water each day
o Put a small amount of water in the sink to rinse your razor when shaving to save an additional three gallons of water daily
Save in the Kitchen:
o Consider a compost pile as an alternative to running the garbage disposal, which requires an inordinate amount of water to run properly
o Cut back on tap flow by keeping a pitcher of chilled water for drinking in the refrigerator
o Save an additional two gallons of water daily by peeling fruits and vegetables before rinsing them, according to Connecticut Water, Inc.
o Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator instead of running them under water
OUTDOOR SAVINGS
Indoor Conservation is a viable way to reduce water consumption on a daily basis but it is not the only alternative. Outdoor water conservation is a smart daily practice. Watering lawns and gardens accounts for 50 to 70 percent of the average home’s water consumption. However, conservation doesn’t have to mean compromising aesthetics.
Put Away Your Garden Hose:
o Install rain barrels. Equipped with child-safe covers and mosquito deterrents, rain barrels have evolved to become increasing consumer friendly. Collected water can be easily recycled to water outdoor landscaping
o When installing ornamental water features, opt for those with water recycling capabilities and avoid running during droughts
o Sweep sidewalks and driveways as opposed to washing them down and wash your car from a bucket
o Use soaker sprinklers to water plants and select drought tolerant planting when possible
Keep Water in the Pool:
o The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals contends purchasing a solar cover can reduce water evaporation by as much as 95%
o Lower you water level to avoid splashing out excessive water
o Install a low water usage pool filter
To learn how you can conserve more water in your home, contact your local water company to learn about home water audits. Making the smallest changes in your daily water consumption can lead to the most significant long-term savings and make a positive environmental impact.
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