Did you know that as an American you likely use between 80 to 100 gallons of water each day?
Water conservation has become an essential practice in all areas, even in areas where water seems abundant. In addition to saving money on your utility bill, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local watersheds.
Facts
• The largest household use of water is flushing the toilet.
• An average of 8% of all home water use is wasted through leaks.
• The United States uses more water in 24 hours than it uses oil in an entire year. This is twice the world average when it comes to consumption.
• Turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save 4 gallons of water a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
• Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons of water each month
• Every day in the United States, we drink about 110 million gallons of water.
• An average family of four uses 881 gallons of water per week just by flushing the toilet.
How to conserve water
Check your toilets for leaks
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.
Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
Long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off. “Low-flow” means it uses less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
Y
ou can easily install a WaterSense showerhead faucet, or add a WaterSense converter to existing showerheads. Not only can you conserve water by installing a low-flow showerhead, but you can also save energy (and money) on water heating.
Your laundry
When is it time to do laundry, be sure you are only washing full loads. If you do have to wash a small load, be sure to use the appropriate water level setting. Also, look for ENERGY STAR. clothes washers, which clean clothes using 35% less water and 20% less energy than standard appliances.
Insulate your water pipes
It’s easy and inexpensive to install into your water piper. with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You’ll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings
Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they’re not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.
Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference.