Water Saving Tips

As we all know, water isn’t free. Sometimes we don’t think about just how much water we really are using!! We take for granted that we have clean, freshwater at our dispense! While other countries struggle with little or no water, we literally watch it go down the drain!!  Check out these surprising facts on water waste:

An American taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the typical person living in a developing country slum uses in a whole day (1)

The daily requirement for sanitation, bathing, and cooking needs, as well as for assuring survival, is about 13.2 gallons per person (1)

About 95% of the water entering our homes goes right back down the drain (2)

It is estimated that over half of the water used on yards is wasted due to over watering.  (2) 

Running the tap while you brush your teeth you can waste 4 gallons of water!! (2)

How can we save water???? Here are some fabulous tips from EarthEasy:

1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

2. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

3. 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. 

4. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads

Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most makers of dishwashing soap recomend not pre-rinsing dishes which is a big water savings.
With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. New Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer. 

 

5. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing
If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water

6. Water your lawn only when it needs it
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering.Use a conservation hose nozzle.  Another great way to save water in the yard is to collect rain water!

7. Don't run the hose while washing your car 

This simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car 

8. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks 

9. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. 

10. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables.
Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water

It is also important to teach our kids about conserving water!!  By starting them out early, water conservation will come natural and won't have to be a forced effort! You are your child's teacher, so you have to show them the way!!  Simply reminding them to turn off the water when not using it, or reminding them to be sure it is all the way off can save tons of water!! 

Did you know that in other countries, millions of women and children have to spend their day traveling to collect water from places that are polluted? Because it is the only water they have, they choose to do this to survive.  In 3rd world countries, people live off 3 gallons of water a day-the amount we use in ONE FLUSH.  We all need to take our part and be aware of the amounts of water we are wasting!! Let's take care of our Earth!

Sources

(1) www.water.org

(2) chelseagreen