Top 10 Tips to Help Conserve Water

Being environmentally smart is necessary in the world today. Whether you believe in global warming, or not, only good can come of watching the way you live your daily life. In places that are common for drought-like conditions, or even for the average household, conserving water is important.

Here are some tips to help conserve water in your home.

1.When you need to replace your old dishwasher or washing machine, check for appliances that have the “Energy Star” label. These are appliances that meet the federal energy and water efficiency guidelines.

2.Do full loads when washing clothes and dishes. Not only will it save water, but also electricity by running your washer fewer times.

3.Take a shower instead of a bath. You can save up to five gallons a minute of water by using a low-flow showerhead. Don’t stretch out your shower, I love a long, hot shower but the shorter time you’re in the shower, the more water you save.

4.Take a look at your faucets and toilet. Are they leaky? A leaking toilet can waste up to 52,800 gallons a year! Make sure there are no leaks, same goes for faucets. Tighten them up, or replace them if they need replacing. Both are easy to do, and relatively inexpensive.

5.On the subject of toilets… In an older toilet that is not as efficient as the newer models, place a bottle filled with water inside the tank. It can save an average of 11 gallons of water a day. There are some websites that will recommend using a brick, but be careful not to damage the inside of your tank if you use such a heavy item.

6.Turn off the water! When you’re brushing your teeth or shaving, turn off the water when it’s not needed. This will save you an average of 4 gallons of water a day!

7.Don’t let water drain. Collect water when you’re rinsing your vegetables or when you clean your fish tank, or even water from the shower. You can water your houseplants and vegetable gardens.

8.Use rain barrels. Connect your outside gutter drains to a rain barrel. You can use this water to water your flower and vegetable gardens. It’s a wise idea to have a cover on it, to prevent debris getting inside and also to stop mosquitoes from laying eggs in the water.

9.Use a broom. Instead of hosing down the driveway, use a broom and sweep it up.

10.Use mulch in as many places as you can. By using mulch around your gardens, you can keep much need moisture in the soil, leading to less watering. Also water earlier in the day, it’s not only healthier for your plants, but the temperatures are lower and there will be less evaporation. Choose drought resistant plants as well.

If we all did our part to conserve water, just think of how much we could save as a nation! None of these ten steps are very difficult, and it doesn’t require a big change in your lifestyle. Do your part to help save the earth!