As we head into August, it’s finally feeling like summer. The sun’s out, we get to enjoy meals outside, go swimming and tend to the garden. However, summer is also the time that we’re irrigating our lawns and gardens, cooling off in sprinklers, filling up pools, and washing the cars. On a daily basis, most of us probably don’t think about the number of gallons of water we are using, but there-in lies the problem. Our access to what can seem like a never-ending supply of potable water means that water conservation is typically on the back of anyone’s mind until faced with drought. Truth is, in the United States, about 340 billion gallons of fresh water are taken out of rivers and reservoirs every day to support our residential, commercial, recreational, agricultural and industrial needs.
As environmentally aware individuals, most of us are used to turning off the faucet when we’re brushing our teeth, or knowing that we should take shorter showers. However, there are changes we can make to our water-consuming fixtures that will help us save water every day. Here are some of the best solutions to be more efficient with our water use:
Low-Flow Faucets and Aerators
An easy (and cost-effective) method to save water is to install low-flow faucets and showerheads. If you already have your fixtures in place, consider installing aerators on the kitchen and bathroom faucets and your showerheads. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can reduce your home water consumption by as much as 50%. Though aerators are available at pretty much any hardware store, you can also find them as well as other water conservation products at AM Conservation Group’s website.
Low-Flow or Dual-Flush Toliets
Buying a dual-flush or low-flow toliet can also save you an incredible amount of water. The EPA reports that “Indoor use accounts for roughly 60 percent of all residential use, and of this, toilets (at 3.5 gallons per flush) use nearly 40 percent…More than 4.8 billion gallons of water is flushed down toilets each day in the United States.” As water shortages seem to pop up more frequently, we need to re-consider sending billions of gallons of potable water into our sewer systems every day. Some conventional toliets use as much as 3.5 – 5 gallons per flush. The Energy Policy Act of 1992 was put into effect to require that new toliets for residences must use 1.6 gallons per flush or less. Many low-flow toliets or dual-flush can have even lower flush rates. Graywater can be used for flushing, but if altering your plumbing is cost-prohibitive, installing low-flush toilets is a great way to conserve water.
Use Rainwater
Many Americans use the most water to keep their lawns and gardens irrigated. A simple solution to maintain your outdoor space is to simply set up a cistern, or any vessel that can collect water when it rains. You can then use this to water your gardens, lawn or even wash your car. Though the rainwater is not suitable for drinking, it is perfectly fine to irrigate with and will save gallons of potable water.
Run Appliances When Full
This may seem like a no-brainer, but only run the dishwasher and clothes washer when they are full. This will not only save you water, but lower your energy bill as well.
Water conservation is going to become more and more important as the population expands and as our water needs increase. Using some of these solutions in your home can save you money on your water bill, can save you energy, and can make sure that our aquifers are re-filled so we have plenty of fresh water well into the future.
