Easy Ways to Cut Down on Your Water Usage

Water is one of those things that most rarely really think about but everyone uses in so many different ways throughout the day. If you take a minute to think of all the ways that you used water today you will probably be surprised by just how often it touches your life. However, if you are like most people, the only time you really think about water is when the water bill shows up at the end of the month. If your water bill is higher than you would like it to be the good news is that there are many easy ways to cut down on your water usage and save money on your monthly bill. Not only that, but at the same time you will be helping to protect and preserve a natural resource so it is a win-win situation. Here are some ideas to get you started on how to save water.

Check for Leaks
A leaky faucet or a toilet that runs all the time can cost you a lot in lost water that you still have to pay for. Most leaks are easy and inexpensive to repair and can save you a bundle in the long run. Take a minute to go through your house and check for any leaks from your faucet and the pipes that lead up to them. If you notice any leaks either repair them yourself or hire someone to repair them for you since it can save hundreds of dollars a year on your water bill.

Install Water Saving Faucets and Shower Heads
Nowadays you can find a great selection of faucets, showerheads and toilets that are all designed to conserve water. Most of these items are inexpensive and relatively easy to install yourself, but can save you a lot of money on your water bill. Check your local home improvement store to see what all is available.

Wait for Your Appliances to Fill Up
If you are like most people you are probably guilty of running your washing machine or dishwasher when there is far less than a full load in it. By waiting until either of these appliances fill up before running them you will need to use them much less frequently and will save a lot of water as a result.

To Bathe or to Shower?
The question of whether it uses more water to shower or to take a bath is a complex one since it depends on a number of factors including your showerhead and how long your showers are. The easiest way to see if taking a bath or shower uses more water for you is to plug the drain the next time you take a shower and see how much water is in the tub when you are done. If it is less water than you use to take a bath then you can save water by showering. However, if it is higher than your bathwater normally, try to take baths instead to cut your water usage. If you have a shower with multiple shower heads opt for using all of the shower heads only when you really need them rather than every shower you take since their water usage can be huge.

Other Ways to Save
Other ways to save on your water usage include turning the water off while you brush your teeth or shave. Try keeping a bottle of water in your fridge so you always have cool water on hand and don’t have to run the tap while waiting for it to cool down. To avoid waiting as long for tap water to heat up try insulating your water pipes. When washing dishes in the sink try placing them in a rack and then rinsing them all at once rather than rinsing them individually.

Use your creativity and brainstorm some other ways to save on your water usage. The next time your water bill shows up you will be glad you did.