People require fresh water to live, yet only three percent of the Earth's water is fresh, and of that, 69 percent is trapped in glaciers and icecaps, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The rest has to serve the needs of the Earth's growing population. Conserving water ensures more water for the current population and for generations to come. In the United States the average person uses 70 to 100 gallons of water a day, according to the King's County, Washington Wastewater Department. Conservation efforts can cut this use by up to 15 percent.
Don't Let the Tap Run
Shut off the tap while you brush your teeth. Run a basin of water to rinse dishes instead of washing them under the tap. If you use a dishwasher, scrape the dishes instead of rinsing them. Collect water in a basin or pitcher while you wait for the tap water to get hot and use this water to rinse dishes or vegetables or to water plants. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until water cools.
Reuse Water
Use the water from rinsing dishes to water indoor and outdoor plants. Save bathwater to flush the toilet or water plants. Save water from cooking vegetables or pasta to make soup or mix with the dog's supper.
Flush Wisely
Up to 60 percent of the water used in an average household goes to flush toilets, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Install a low-flush or dual flush toilet, which uses 1.6 gallons per flush instead of the three to five gallons of a standard toilet. If you have an older toilet, fill a plastic milk jug with water and set it in the tank to displace some of the water that would be used for flushing.
Take Shorter Showers
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that about 20 percent of the water used in homes comes from taking showers. Most showers use 3 gallons per minute, according to the King County, Washington Wastewater Department. Taking a seven minute shower instead of a 10-minute shower could save nine gallons of water, plus the energy used to heat the water.
Use Gray Water
Water from washing machines and sinks is known as gray water and can be diverted to water plants. You can also purchase a system that stores gray water in a tank and uses it to flush toilets. Check with your state to make sure these systems are legal in your area.
Shrink Your Lawn
Replace some grassy areas with mulched beds, gravel or wildflowers. You'll mow less and use less water. Plant drought-resistant shrubs and native plants, which use less water.
Wash Wisely
Wash the car on the lawn so the rinse water does double duty for your thirsty grass. Use a bucket and sponge instead of the hose to wash. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that turning off the hose between rinses when washing the car can save 150 gallons of water. Or visit a commercial car wash that recycles water.
Use a Broom
Sweep your driveway and sidewalk instead of washing it off with a hose. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has computed you can save up to 150 gallons of water every time you choose the broom over the hose.
Buy Efficient Appliances
When it comes time to replace your old dishwasher or washing machine, look for a model that conserves water. Look for appliances with the Environmental Protection Agency's Water Sense label, which certifies these products use 20 percent less water.
Go Low Flow
Install aerators and flow restricters on faucets and shower heads. The aerators mix water and air so there's no loss of pressure, but less water flows per minute. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, using aerators can reduce the water used at the sink by 50 percent.
Member Comments