Simple Ways to Conserve Water at Home Today

Many people try to lead an eco-friendly life these days and help the planet in any way they can. At the same time, most consumers are keen to find ways to cut costs each year. A prime way to get results in both areas is to reduce water usage at home.

Water is an abundant resource for most of us in the developed world (though sadly, fresh, clean water is not so easy to come by in some parts of the globe), so it’s easy to use vast amounts without realizing it. To help the planet, cut costs, and even teach children to be water-wise, it’s essential for us to use less water mindlessly each day.

Don’t think this has to be an arduous task, either. By paying more attention to your usage at home and noting some simple yet effective ways to conserve water, you can reduce your family’s consumption ASAP. Here are some tips to try out.

Address Leaks

It’s important to keep an eye out for leaking taps or pipes in and around your property. These pieces do break, block up, rust, wear down, and otherwise deteriorate over time, and can lead to a massive loss of water if you’re not careful. If pipes burst, for instance, they could shoot out water at a fast pace for minutes or even hours if you’re not home. Address this possible issue by having a plumber check fittings at least annually.

Furthermore, do you ever check the numbers on your water meter? If not, it’s time to start. Check your meter every couple of weeks (at times when no one is using any water), ensuring there aren’t underground or otherwise unseen leaks happening on your property. Problems can arise with pipes that you won’t see visually. The only way to pick up on this, apart from getting a huge water bill, is to ensure the meter isn’t ticking over when it shouldn’t be.

Turn Off Faucets

Another way to save water is to turn off faucets when you’re not using them. You may think you and your family already do this but are you always conscious of water running when you’re washing your hands or face, or cleaning your teeth? What about when cleaning fresh produce under running water in the kitchen sink?

Many people leave faucets running at these times. If you can get out of this habit, though, you’ll save a considerable amount of water every year.

Reduce Shower Time

You’ve heard it before, no doubt, but probably need to hear it again: showers need to be restricted if you don’t want to waste significant water. If you struggle to keep to a five- to ten-minute shower because your mind wanders, put a waterproof timer in your bathroom to keep you on track.

You can also automatically reduce water consumption by swapping out an old showerhead for a more modern, water-wise one. Buy a Water Sense-certified showerhead, or similar product, that’s designed to be lower flow.

Repurpose Water around Your Home

Repurposing water around your home is a great way to conserve the precious commodity. You can do this in a variety of ways. For example, pop a bucket in your shower so water is collected as you wash, and use a small container in your kitchen sink to capture water as you rinse items or wait for the temperature to heat up.

Use the water you collect each day on your lawn and garden. It will be clean enough for that purpose and will save you gallons of water every year.

Buy Water-Efficient Appliances

If you need to buy a new dishwasher, washing machine, or other water-related appliance, look for products designed to be more water-efficient than their counterparts. These days, most brands have economic products available at an affordable price. Search for Energy Star-certified machines in particular. Devices with a high star rating are the most efficient.

When you use your dishwasher and washing machine, try to only turn them on when you have a full load. This will ensure you’re not running them more than you need to. Also, consider buying a device that’s as small as possible for your needs. The smaller a machine is, the less water needed for each cycle.

Follow some of the water-saving tips listed above, and you’ll soon reduce your annual water consumption. This will enable you, in turn, to help the environment and reduce your water bills each quarter.