Water conservation helps maintain adequate reservoir and groundwater supplies, which decreases the concentration of pollutants found in the water, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Saving water is not only good for the environment but also for the wallet. The EPA estimates that Americans spend an average of $500 annually on water and sewage and that a few small changes could save about $170 per year.
Install Water-Saving Devices
Choose water-saving devices when building a home or replacing fixtures in your home. Dr. Ronald E. Hermanson, an agricultural engineer at the University of Washington, offers several solutions in his article “Home Water-Saving Methods” on the University’s website. Replace your regular shower head with a low-flow alternative or add a flow reducer to your water pipe. Place plastic bottles filled with water in the tank of your toilet to reduce water volume. Hermanson cautions against using bricks, as they can crack the tank.
Fix Leaky Pipes
Household leaks–such as dripping faucets, worn-out shower heads and running toilets–waste an average of 10,000 gallons of water every year, according to the EPA. Nationwide, this adds up to more than 1 trillion gallons. Examine plumbing fixtures and pipes regularly and repair leaks right away. Hardware stores sell leak detection tablets to help identify toilet leaks. Drop the colored tablet in your toilet tank, flush, and then wait 10 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak.
Save Water Throughout the Day
Turn off water when it is not being used, such as when you are brushing your teeth or shampooing and conditioning your hair. Take shorter showers and fewer baths. The average bath uses 50 gallons of water, while the average 15-minute shower uses 30 gallons, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Washing dishes by hand uses 5 gallons per load versus 20 gallons for a dishwasher load. If you use a dishwasher, run it only when full.
Water Plants Wisely
Most plants need water, but some need more than others. If possible, choose plants that grow in dry conditions, such as cacti, hemlocks and pines. The U.S. National Resources Conservation Service suggests watering your plants in the morning when less evaporation from the sun will take place. Use irrigation systems, which supply water directly to the base of the plant where it is needed most.
Use a Rain Barrel
Place a rain barrel, typically a 55-gallon drum, beneath your gutter to collect rainwater that falls from your roof, according to the EPA. Use the collected water to wash your car and windows or water your plants. The EPA estimates that collecting rain water saves an average of 1,300 gallons of water during the summer. You can buy a rain barrel at a hardware store or you can determine whether your local government offers reduced-price rain barrels.
About this Author
Based in East Stroudsburg, Pa., Nicole Etolen has been a writer for 15 years, with articles appearing in “Lehigh Valley Bridal Magazine,” “A Reader’s Guide to the Underground Press” and numerous independent publications. Etolen took journalism courses at Northampton Community College. She is also a certified nursing assistant and former Northampton Community College nursing student.
