Americans use more than ten times the World Health Organization's minimum recommended daily water consumption for cooking, drinking, cleaning and personal hygiene, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. But as the challenges of providing quality water have grown in some communities, people are becoming more aware of the need to conserve this precious natural resource, and to do so in ways that benefit the planet.
Repair Leaks
A leaky faucet dripping at one drop per second wastes up to seven gallons of water per day according to the Department of Health and Human Services, and a leak in your toilet could waste 200 gallons of water each day. If you want to check for leaks in your water system, read your water meter at a time when you won't be using any water for two hours. At the end of two hours, if the meter reading has changed, you've got a leak that needs attention. Do some investigation and repair it.
Update Your Fixtures
If you have a toilet from 1992 or earlier, it probably uses around 3.5 gallons per flush. Compare that to newer, more efficient toilets that use fewer than 1.28 gallons of water per flush. When it is time to replace your toilet, shop for one that conserves water. It will add up to significant water savings over the lifetime of the toilet.
Choose Water-Saving Appliances
When replacing an appliance, shop smartly. Select a washing machine and dishwasher based on their water efficiency ratings. Washing machines built with water conservation in mind may use fewer than 27 gallons of water per load while a typical washer uses almost 41 gallons. High efficiency dishwashers may use as little as 3.7 gallons per load, though 6 to 10 gallons is more common, states the Environmental Protection Agency. An average dishwasher uses 9 to 12 gallons of water. These water savings certainly add up over time. Maximize the efficient of any washer or dishwasher by only running it when it is full.
Turn It Off
Output from the average bathroom faucet is 2 gallons per minute. You can save water by turning the water off while brushing your teeth or shaving. If washing dishes by hand, use a sink or basin rather than allowing the water to run. Turn off the faucet when you are lathering up your hands for washing as well.
Water the Yard Wisely
The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 50 percent of the water that goes on lawns and gardens is wasted because of over watering. One solution is a drip irrigation system which uses between 20 and 50 percent less water than conventional sprinklers. Drip irrigation also prevents water loss due to evaporation, runoff and wind.
Only water your lawn when it needs it. You can determine this by stepping on the lawn and observing whether it springs back. If it does, it has adequate moisture and doesn't need watering. In gardens and flowerbeds, use mulch to help the soil retain moisture and reduce the frequency you need to water.
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