Water is a vital natural resource. Although water conservation and quality control may be largely under the control of municipal water boards and other government entities, you can play your part by saving water in and around your home. You be helping to preserve a vital resource, and your water bills will decrease. Many water conservation methods require only a simple adjustment to your daily habits.
Decrease Yard Watering
Between 30 and 60 percent of household water use goes to watering the yard, depending on what region of the country you are in. The Natural Resources Conservation Service suggests reducing the size of your thirsty lawn and planting native and drought-tolerant grass and other plants that require little water and are suited for your climate. Watering more thoroughly and less often also uses less water in the long run and encourages plants to grow deeper, more healthy root systems.
Use Efficient Plumbing Fixtures
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program labels plumbing fixtures according to their water conservation features. For instance, it states that a WaterSense-approved toilet uses almost 75 percent less water than an inefficient older toilet, and a WaterSense shower head could save an average household more than 2,300 gallons of water per year. If you can't afford new fixtures, put a gallon plastic water jug in your toilet tank to displace some of the water and take shorter showers instead of baths or long, steamy showers. Install faucet aerators. California's Save Our Water organization states this can save more than a gallon per day per person in the bathroom alone.
Change Laundry and Dishwashing Methods
Day-to-day water needs, such as for laundry and dishes, are a constant drain on the water supply, and small changes can add up to many gallons saved. Save Our Water has many tips for conserving water. Only run the dishwasher when it's full and don't prewash the dishes before you put them in the dishwasher. If you just have a few dishes to wash, do them by hand, rinsing in a sink of clear water instead of letting the water run. Only wash full loads of laundry, instead of many smaller loads. When you're ready to replace your dishwasher or washing machine, look for water-efficient models.
Check for Leaks
Hidden leaks waste water one drop at a time. Read your water meter, then turn off all your water sources. Wait about one hour, then read the meter again. If the meter reading has changed, you have a hidden leak. Check your toilet for a slow leak by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If the color seeps into the toilet bowl after 20 minutes or so, replace the seals inside the tank. According to Save Our Water, faucet leaks are a common source of water loss. If you hear water running in your pipes when all the water sources and faucets are turned off or if you have a slowly-dripping faucet, the washer is most likely worn. You can easily use a wrench to install an inexpensive replacement washer.
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