Ninety-nine percent of the world's water supply is frozen or salt water, leaving only 1 percent for our daily needs, says the Environmental Protection Agency. As the planet's population increases, it is critical that we all conserve water whenever possible. For most households, indoor water usage accounts for at least 60 percent of total consumption, according to the EPA. Reducing outdoor water usage is equally important. Small changes in your daily routines can add up to savings---in the total amount of water that you use and your utility bill.
Bathroom Conservation
The EPA website says standard toilets account for approximately 40 percent of household water usage. Therefore, they provide a significant conservation opportunity. The EPA recommends installing low flush toilets that use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush compared to 3.5 gallons for standard toilets. If a new toilet is too much for your budget, placing a do-it-yourself water displacement device, such as a 1-gallon milk jug filled with water, in your tank can save a gallon or more per flush.
Bathrooms offer low-cost and free conservation options. Turning the faucet off while brushing your teeth, then back on to rinse your mouth is a habit that saves water at no cost to you, along with simple changes like taking showers, instead of baths. The "Navy shower" is an excellent water conservation method. When you turn the shower on only to wet your body and rinse, your water usage will decrease dramatically.
Kitchen Strategies
Installing low-flow faucet aerators on your kitchen faucets can reduce your water consumption by as much as 25 percent, according to the EPA. These inexpensive additions only require basic homeowner skills. Conserve water by using a basin, small bucket or large pot in your kitchen sink to capture cold water while waiting for hot water. Select a clean container that does not interfere with your normal uses of the sink and leave in under the faucet. Reuse this water for washing vegetables and fruits or cooking. You can also use the water that you capture in sink basins for washing dishes, household cleaning or for your pets. When your replace your pet's water, use any leftover in the bowl to water houseplants. Reduce your water consumption even more by using captured water to flush your toilet once or twice a day.
Outdoor Savings
Faced with droughts and water conservation priorities, many urban communities now have stringent outdoor watering bans that prohibit using municipal water for watering lawns, washing cars and recreational activities. Installing rain barrels allows you to collect water runoff from your roof that you can use for these purposes and more. Although rainwater is generally not potable, it is suitable for outdoor gardening, washing clothes and refilling swimming pools. Rain barrels let an average family reduce its summer municipal water consumption by over 1,000 gallons, according to the EPA.
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