Worldwide, around 151.85 trillion cubic feet of freshwater is consumed each year. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 300 gallons of water is used everyday by the average household. The total amount can vary from the number of people living in the household or from state to state, but the fact still remains that the global population consumes a lot of water on a daily basis.
Water is an incredibly valuable resource to life and nature, but it’s also known to be limited. With the continuously increasing population, there’s a higher demand and consumption for water, which makes it essential to be conserved. For families, conserving water in the household also helps save on money and energy use. From improving your water usage with maintenance to turning off taps, families can find all sorts of ways to conserve water in their home.
Take advantage of technology
Using efficient technology provides you with convenience and allows you to conserve water easier. For instance, US workplaces are conserving water by promoting the use of automated or touch-free technology, such as touchless toilets and faucets. Not only are they easier to use, but higher quality models are particularly less prone to leaking, enabling them to save more water while facilitating sanitation.
At home, it is recommended to use water-efficient dishwashers and laundry machines. New models of these appliances use less water and can help you save on utility bills. It is recommended to have full loads for better efficiency with dishwashing and laundry washing as it lessens the amount of water needed for each cycle. When it comes to washing machines, front-loading types are more preferable. Investing in eco-friendly toilets, water-saving showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators can also help to reduce your daily water consumption.
Check for leaks
Leaks can be responsible for a large amount of water wasted. According to the EPA, American households can waste up to 9,400 gallons of water every year due to household leaks. If you dry your sink or tub, you can check for faucet leaks if you notice any wet spots. A commonly used method for checking toilet leaks is by putting food coloring in the toilet tank. If the color starts to appear in the bowl without flushing, then it’s a sign that your toilet has a leak. It’s also possible to check for any hidden leaks in the house by looking at the water meter. You can turn off faucets and other water-relevant appliances, then check on the water meter after at least an hour has passed. If you see that the numbers have changed, then it proves that you have a leak.
Manage your water usage
You can reduce the amount of water that you consume by not leaving the water running for more than necessary. When brushing your teeth, shaving or rinsing, you can turn off the faucet so you don’t waste any water. People can save up to 5,700 gallons a year just by turning off the tap. If you’re going to be taking a bath, you can also limit the water that you use by choosing to take showers instead. For homes with lawns or gardens, you don’t have to water them during rainy seasons. Using mulch and bark are also beneficial in slowing down evaporation for your plants.
With water being such a finite resource, people are encouraged to conserve it to prevent shortages. This requires people to develop new habits, and the change may be a struggle for some. Not all changes need to be so drastic, as even through simple steps, your family can make a difference on the environment and while reducing your water costs and energy consumption.
