Water is a precious resource essential for life, yet it’s easy to take it for granted in our daily routines. When you run water, such as when you brush your teeth, do you think about the water you’re wasting? Fortunately, nowadays, there’s a heavy emphasis on not wasting gas, electricity, and, of course, food.
However, water is still not really hammered down on society when it comes to living more eco-friendly. Water isn’t infinite; like all other resources, it might very well get to the point where it is limited, too. So, with that said, it’s important to be more conscious and not waste water, not just in daily life but at home too. But where can you begin?
Get Those Leaks Fixed ASAP
Every plumber and every water utility company like American Water hammers this down: avoid leaks at all times! Most people think of a leak as a busted pipe. Sure, that’s also an issue, but a leaky faucet—one that just keeps dripping—is just as big an issue! If left unrepaired, these basically waste hundreds of gallons of water each day. Yes, you read that right! So that’s why you can’t just assume that those annoying drips are normal—they’re not!
So go ahead and check for leaks regularly and fix them promptly to prevent water waste. Sometimes, this might even mean that you’ll need to replace worn-out washers, seals, or gaskets in faucets and showerheads and repair or replace faulty toilet flappers or fill valves. Needless to say, it’s a lot of work, and honestly, there’s some upfront cost that isn’t great either. But in the long run, you’re saving money and water, so you’re being environmentally friendly!
Take a Look at Your Fixtures
Sometimes, all you really need to do is change up your fixtures—it can sometimes be as simple as this! So, you’re not upgrading fixtures for aesthetics (which is actually what many people do for their homes). Instead, you’re upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and appliances to reduce water consumption.
Nowadays, these can still be aesthetically pleasing, not too expensive, and they don’t sacrifice performance either. For example, you could look into installing low-flow aerators and showerheads in sinks and showers. This is usually the number one way to go when it comes to waste sustainability.
You might even want to go an additional step (if you can afford it) and even consider replacing old toilets with high-efficiency models that use less water per flush. Plus, there are also those ENERGY STAR-rated appliances ( like washing machines and dishwashers) that also meet water efficiency standards.
Take Shorter Showers
If you need to stick to a budget (which is super understandable), there’s something you can do for free: use less water in the shower. Shortening your shower time by just a few minutes can significantly reduce water usage and energy consumption. Ideally, try to stick with five minutes and under.
Collect and Reuse Water
Try to do this whenever possible to reduce waste and conserve resources. For example, when it comes to outside, you might want to use a rain barrel or gutter system to collect rainwater for watering outdoor plants, gardens, or landscaping.
