If you’ve ever visited a home in the country that relies on well-water (as opposed to city water), and if it’s during a dry spell, you’ll realize just how important conserving water is: the look of panic on your host’s face while you wash some lettuce, leaf by leaf, may more resemble the stare of a victim at a sinister criminal.
If we live where an abundant supply of water rushes out of our taps at our every whim, we may take water somewhat for granted. But conserving water is not too difficult and it’s well worth the trouble.
Half of domestic water consumption is a direct result of activities in the bathroom. Most of the rest occurs in the kitchen. The following list incorporates tips for home water saving techniques, both indoor and outdoor.
Water Saving Techniques
- Repair Leaks – Many homes have leaky pipes, especially if they still use older plumbing fixtures. Having these fixed can save a lot of water. Run some tests or check your water usage meter and see if it moves even while no water was being used.
- Stop the Drips – What about that drip… drip… drip every five seconds? It’s easy to fix just by replacing the washer – a little rubber band inside the nozzle.
- Take Shorter Showers/Install a Low Flow Showerhead – Showerheads that give you the same water pressure while using less of this resource are great for those long-shower lovers. But all of us could probably shave a few minutes of time off our overall shower experience.
- Reuse Rinse Water – Use rinse water from washing vegetables, etc. for watering plants or for washing outdoor fixtures and patio furniture.
- Turn it Off – Don’t keep the faucet running while brushing teeth or washing your face – a subconscious mistake for many of us.
- A Perfect Broth – Use water left over from boiling vegetables to make a broth for soups. It will add flavour and nutrients too.
- Dishwasher Duty – Your prune-wrinkled fingers will probably be happy to know that dishwashers, especially new models, can save on water consumption. Only run it when it’s got a full load. If washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while scrubbing.
- Loads of Laundry – If you don’t have a full load of laundry to wash, make sure you select the appropriate load size setting so the machine only uses the necessary amount of water.
- Toilet Technology – Definitely get a low-flow toilet. Some municipalities even cover part of the cost of switching to a high-efficiency model.
- Cold Glass of Water, Please – Keep drinking water in the fridge so it’s nice and cold when you want a refreshing drink – you won’t have to run the tap water for five minutes to get the same result.
- Righty-Tighty – Turn faucets off tight enough so they don’t leak.
- Garden Knock-outs – Plant shrubs and flowers that are hardy and need less watering. Use mulch around their base to retain water.
- Lawn Care – Don’t over-water your lawn – it doesn’t need it! And water early in the morning, benefiting not only the lawn, but saving water from being evaporated by the heat of mid-day, thus wasting it.
- Thirsty Concrete? – If you use sprinklers, make sure that they are not watering the pavement. Place them where all the water can land on soil that needs it. And don’t let them run indefinitely, while you go out.
- Sweep It – Use a broom to sweep-clean patios and driveways as opposed to regular washing.
- Smart Car Washing – Commercial car washes that use recycled rinse water can save water, compared to washing it yourself, using bucket after bucket, or the hose. They can also save you time and energy.
- Collect Rainwater – Use barrels to collect rainwater running off your roof. It’s a perfect system for water conservation.
