By becoming waste conscious, you can easily reduce your water consumption, thus saving you money. Saving water also saves the energy needed to pump water into your home and the cost of heating wasted hot water.
List below are some relatively easy ways to save water:
- Wash only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
- Don't run water continuously when doing dishes by hand.
- Use low-flow faucet aerators.
- Install low-flow showerheads and toilets.
- Do not leave water running when shaving or brushing teeth. With a full running tap, shaving takes 20 gallons of water, teeth brushing takes 10 gallons, and washing of hands takes 2 gallons.
- Check for leaky faucets and toilets. A dripping faucet can waste over six gallons a day.
- Use a broom, not a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks.
Outdoor conservation ideas:
- Plan before you plant. Check planting conditions necessary for plant development.
- Cut down on grass - it requires as much as 4 times the amount of water as other plants. By planting shrubs or adding other forms of landscaping.
- Water your lawn in the evenings or early mornings to reduce evaporation. When watering, water long enough for the moisture to reach the roots.
- Make effective use of mulch. Several inches of mulch in early spring will reduce water needs. It also acts as a weed inhibitor.
- Care for your plants regularly. This ensures that the water is going where it is needed.