Water is a resource that is often taken for granted. Most of us here in the US turn on the faucet, and water comes out – no big deal, right? Wrong. Water shortages are an issue worldwide. According to the World Wildlife Fund, around 1.1 billion people worldwide do not have adequate access to water. The problem will likely worsen in the years to come as weather patterns continue to shift, causing droughts that will lead to more shortages and damage to the ecosystems we rely on. Plus, rivers and lakes are drying up, and many are too polluted to use.
The water crisis is scary, and it’s easy to feel helpless. However, there are easy ways you can do your part to reduce your water consumption. Here are five easy ways to save water.
1. Fix leaky faucets
Leaky faucets, toilets, and shower heads do more damage than you might think. They are the most common sources of water waste in homes. A leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year. And a leaky toilet can waste up to 200 gallons a day!
Regularly inspecting and repairing your plumbing fixtures and appliances can reduce the risk of water going to waste. This will not only save water but also reduce your water bill.
2. Save water with more efficient fixtures
Replacing your existing water fixtures with more water-efficient options is a great way to reduce water usage in your home. Low-flow shower heads, faucets, and toilets are designed to use less water while providing the same level of service.
For example, a low-flow shower head can reduce water use by up to 60%. At the same time, a WaterSense-labeled toilet can save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year. The good news is that these fixtures are relatively inexpensive and can be easily installed in most homes.
3. Be smart in the garden
Here’s a shocking statistic – according to American Rivers, 30 to 60% of domestic drinking water is used to water yards and gardens. Large portions are wasted by over-watering, evaporation, and misdirected sprinklers that water sidewalks and driveways. To conserve water in your garden, consider planting drought resistant plants that require less water to thrive.
When you water the garden is also important. Early morning or late evening watering is best to minimize evaporation and ensure your plants get the soaking they need. Installing a drip irrigation system can also help, as it delivers water directly to the roots of plants, reducing waste.
4. Shorten your showers
Showers are a significant source of water use in the home, with the average shower using about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. You can save water by simply reducing your shower time by a few minutes. For example, cutting your shower time from 10 to 5 minutes can save up to 12.5 gallons of water. If you’re like me and LOVE shower time and could stay in there for hours, consider using a timer or listening to a short song to help you keep track of time.
5. Use appliances efficiently
Household appliances such as washing machines and dishwashers can use a lot of water. To save water, make sure only to run these appliances with full loads. If you’re in the market for a new appliance, look for models that are labeled as water-efficient. Energy Star-rated dishwashers and washing machines are designed to use less water and energy, helping you conserve both resources.
Not convinced? Check out this WaterSense Calculator to see how much water you could save if you change out your old appliances.
We all need to do our part to save water
Since water is a resource that has always been available to most of us, it’s hard to believe that we may have to learn to live with much less in the years to come. If all of us make small, easy changes to save water, it will allow the water supply to go further and last longer.