At-Home Tips for Water Conservation: Ways to Save Water in and Around Your Home

Why You Should Conserve Water

1. Water is a finite resource

Water is a finite resource that is essential to life. It is a limited resource because it is estimated that only 0.5% of the earth’s total water supply is actually usable for human consumption. This is because 97.5% of the world’s water is locked in seas and oceans, making it too salty for human use, and the remaining 2.5% is found in glaciers and polar ice caps.

In addition to its limited availability, water is also a finite resource because of its impact on the environment. According to the EPA, drinking water and wastewater systems account for 2% of the U.S.’s entire energy use and more than 45 million tons of greenhouse gases annually. Climate breakdown is one of the biggest drivers of water shortages and is expected to put even more pressure on our depleting supplies.

By reducing water usage, we can help protect the environment and save money on energy bills. This is why governments worldwide are implementing water restrictions. Simple things like turning off the taps while brushing our teeth, using efficient shower heads, and washing full loads of laundry can go a long way in conserving water.

Water is a finite resource and it is imperative that we take action to conserve it. Not only can it help protect our planet, but it can also help save us money. Therefore, it is essential that we make an effort to conserve water, no matter where we live.

Consider purchasing the following items to conserve water:

2. Water conservation can help reduce your household’s carbon footprint

Water conservation can significantly reduce your household’s carbon footprint by reducing the amount of energy needed to treat and distribute water. By monitoring and adjusting your water usage, you can reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated, leading to lower energy use and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, conserving water helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds, as well as soil saturation and leaks that can cause pollution. Furthermore, conserving water can help avoid costly sewage system expansion, which also reduces pollution and energy use. In this way, water conservation can reduce your household’s carbon footprint and help protect the environment.

3. Conserving water can save you money on utility bills

Conserving water can help save you money on utility bills by reducing the amount of water used in and outside the home. By monitoring water usage and adjusting accordingly, households can reduce their water consumption, which in turn reduces their water bill. This can be achieved by making simple changes such as fixing leaky faucets, installing low-flow showerheads, switching to more efficient toilets, and limiting outdoor water use. Additionally, conserving water helps to reduce wastewater treatment costs for communities, decreases air pollution, and preserves nearby aquatic environments. Therefore, taking steps to conserve water can save households money on utility bills while also helping to protect the environment.

Consider purchasing the following items to help your household conserve water:

4. Water conservation is good for the environment

Water conservation can have a major impact on the environment. By reducing the amount of water taken from freshwater sources such as rivers, bays, and estuaries, we can help to protect animal and plant life in those environments. Additionally, water conservation helps reduce air pollution due to the decreased need to treat and distribute water. This also leads to less money and energy spent treating wastewater and saltwater, which can further reduce air pollution. On top of that, conserving water can help prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds and extend the life of septic systems. Finally, conserving water can help relieve stress on our water supplies and reduce costly sewage system expansion in communities. All these factors contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

5. Conserving water can help prevent water shortages

Conserving water is essential to preventing water shortages, especially in areas of the country that suffer from drought or have limited water availability. By reducing the amount of water that is used, it helps to decrease the strain on existing water sources and reduces the need to expand costly municipal water systems. This in turn helps to preserve water quality in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds. Conserving water also prevents greenhouse gas emissions from being generated by the process of treating and distributing water. Additionally, conserving water can extend the life of septic systems by reducing soil saturation and preventing pollution due to leaks. All of these actions will have a positive effect on water shortages, helping to ensure that fresh water is available for everyone.

6. Water conservation can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly

Water conservation can help keep your plumbing system running smoothly by reducing the amount of water flowing through the pipes. By conserving water, you are reducing the stress on the sewage systems, which lessens the likelihood of pollution. Additionally, conserving water helps prevent soil saturation and reduces the possibility of leaks. This can improve the longevity of your septic system, as well as help to avoid costly sewage system expansion in your community. Finally, conserving water can also help save money on your utility bills.

7. Water conservation can help keep your landscape healthy

Water conservation can help keep your landscape healthy by reducing the amount of water needed to maintain a well-manicured lawn and avoiding overloading municipal sewer systems. Drought-resistant plants and trees can help retain moisture in the soil, while mulch and microirrigation can reduce the amount of water needed to keep plants healthy. Recycling indoor water to use on plants and using a broom to clean driveways and patios instead of a hose can also help conserve water and reduce water waste. Moreover, watering earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler can help reduce evaporation and waste. By conserving water, we can save money on our utility bill, reduce water pollution, and help prevent greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water.

 

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8. Water conservation can help preserve the local watershed

Water conservation can help preserve the local watershed by reducing the amount of water flowing through sewage systems, which can lead to water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds. Conserving water can also reduce soil saturation and reduce the risk of leaks, which can help extend the life of septic systems and prevent costly sewage system expansions. Additionally, water conservation can help reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated, which in turn leads to savings for everyone and fewer greenhouse gas emissions. By making water conservation a daily habit, we can help to ensure we are prepared for the uncertainties of climate change and minimize the harmful effects of drought.

9. Water conservation can help reduce waste

Water conservation can help reduce waste in a number of ways. By reducing water usage, we can help prevent pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds, as well as prevent greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water. Conserving water can also extend the life of septic systems and reduce pollution due to leaks. Additionally, it can reduce the amount of water that needs to be treated, which offers financial savings for everyone. Moreover, cutting down on meat and dairy consumption, boiling only the necessary amount of water, and regularly checking kitchen pipes and dishwashers for leaks can help conserve water and protect the environment.

10. Water conservation can help keep your toilet from running all day

Water conservation can help keep your toilet from running all day by upgrading to efficient fixtures, not flushing cigarettes, tissues, or other small bits of trash, putting plastic bottles or a float booster in your toilet tank, and ensuring that at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank. By reducing the amount of water used in each flush, installing low-flush toilets, and fixing any leaks, you can reduce the amount of water used and prevent your toilet from running all day.

What are the Benefits of Water Conservation?

1. Reduction in water heating costs

Water conservation can help reduce water heating costs by switching to water-efficient products and reducing the amount of time spent in the shower. Installing WaterSense labeled faucet aerators and ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers and clothes washers can help conserve water and reduce energy bills. Additionally, replacing baths with shorter showers and turning off the water when lathering can help save energy used to heat water. In total, these measures can save up to £91 a year on gas and water bills for a four-person household.

2. Reduction in water utility bills

Water conservation is an effective way to save money on water utility bills. By making small changes to daily water usage, such as shorter showers, installing water-efficient products and monitoring water usage, individuals can drastically reduce their water bills. Water conservation also helps preserve natural ecosystems and protect the environment by using less water from freshwater sources, such as rivers, bays, and estuaries. Additionally, it reduces energy costs associated with water treatment, as well as air pollution from wastewater and saltwater treatment. By taking these steps and investing in WaterSense-labeled products, the average family of four can save up to £20 a year on gas and water bills.

3. Improved landscape and home health

Water conservation is essential for maintaining the health of both landscapes and homes. By practicing water conservation techniques, we can reduce water use and help preserve our precious water resources. It also has the added benefit of reducing water bills, wastewater treatment costs for communities, and preserving our aquatic environment.

For our landscapes, we can conserve water by planting drought-resistant and drought-tolerant plants and trees, recycling indoor water to use on plants, refraining from watering your home landscape when it rains, replacing your grass/turf with water-wise plants, using a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose, and watering your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler. Additionally, we can create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful and efficient with products such as Xeriscape or Low-flow Aerators and Showerheads. Moreover, by upgrading to a WaterSense labeled controller and finding a certified irrigation professional to install, maintain, or audit our irrigation system, we can ensure that we are watering at peak efficiency.

For our homes, we can save water by investing in energy-efficient home improvements and finding ways to light our homes more efficiently. In the bathroom, we can install low-flow showerheads and aerators. In the kitchen, we can use water-efficient dishwashers and change our faucets to ones with low-flow aerators. And in the laundry, we can use front-loading washers that use 50% less water than top-loading washers.

By adopting these water conservation practices, we can reduce our water usage, save money, and help protect our precious water resources while still enjoying the beauty of our landscapes and the convenience of our homes.

4. Reduction in stress on local water supplies

Water conservation helps to reduce stress on local water supplies by reducing the amount of water that needs to be treated and distributed. This leads to direct financial savings for households and communities, as it reduces water bills, wastewater treatment costs, and the need for costly sewage system expansion. Additionally, conserving water prevents water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds, and the associated greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of water that flows through these systems. Finally, water conservation can also extend the life of septic systems, as it reduces soil saturation and the potential for leaks. By being conscious of water use, we can all work together to ensure a safe and healthy supply of water for ourselves and generations to come.

5. Improved efficiency of household appliances

Water conservation can improve the efficiency of household appliances by reducing the amount of water and energy used. By installing water-efficient products such as WaterSense labeled faucet aerators and ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers and clothes washers, you can save both water and energy. Additionally, WaterSense labeled homes offer further savings compared to traditional homes, by reducing water use in areas such as showering, bathing, shaving, cooking, and cleaning. Moreover, using a newer and more efficient washing machine such as an Energy Star-certified, front-loading washer can help you significantly reduce your water usage by using only 13 gallons per cycle compared to an average of 31 gallons for all residential washers. Other water-saving measures you can take include fixing leaks, adjusting washing machine use, taking shorter showers, and tracking your water bill and meter to curtail water use. Overall, these water-conservation efforts can help improve the efficiency of household appliances, thereby reducing the amount of water and energy used.

6. Reduced strain on wastewater treatment systems

Water conservation can help reduce strain on wastewater treatment systems by reducing the amount of water flowing through these systems. By conserving water, households can reduce the amount of runoff entering the municipal sewer systems and avoid costly sewage system expansion. Conserving water also helps prevent water pollution in nearby lakes, rivers, and local watersheds. It prevents greenhouse gas emissions associated with treating and distributing water, and it can extend the life of septic systems by reducing soil saturation and reducing leakage pollution. All these benefits of water conservation lower the amount of water that needs to be treated, which in turn reduces the strain on wastewater treatment systems.

7. Environmentally friendly practice

Water conservation is essential to protecting our environment and helping to ensure that we have access to the clean and plentiful water resources needed for a healthy and sustainable future. By reducing our water consumption, we can reduce the strain on our water sources, which helps to reduce water pollution and helps to conserve precious fresh water sources. Additionally, water conservation can help to reduce energy consumption, as it takes energy to clean, transport, and treat water. By reducing our water consumption, we can help reduce the amount of energy needed to provide us with clean water, thereby leading to fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, water conservation can help to reduce flooding and soil erosion, which can have a negative impact on our environment.

8. Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

Water conservation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of water that needs to be treated. This decreases the energy needed to treat and distribute water, which reduces the emissions associated with this process. Additionally, conserving water helps prevent water pollution in nearby bodies of water, which can further reduce emissions caused by water pollution. Finally, conserving water can also extend the life of septic systems by reducing soil saturation and reducing pollution due to leaks, further reducing emissions.

9. Improved safety due to reduced leaks

Water conservation helps improve safety by reducing the amount of water that needs to be treated and shipped through municipal sewer systems. When less water is flowing through these systems, the lower the chances of pollution and the less risk of untreated sewage flowing into nearby lakes and rivers. Additionally, conserving water also helps preserve our aquatic environment and can help prevent soil saturation and leaks that can lead to water pollution. By taking simple steps such as installing water-efficient shower heads, turning off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving, and using full loads in dishwashers and washing machines, households can protect their budget and help preserve our planet.

10. Opportunity to conserve and reuse water from home sources

Water conservation is an important way to help conserve and reuse water from home sources. Here are some steps you can take to help conserve water in your home:

1. Check the toilet for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring into the tank. If the food coloring appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak that needs repair.
2. Install low-flow faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. Using these low-flow devices is the best water conservation action to take and usually the cheapest.
3. Take showers instead of baths. Filling the tub uses more water than a shower. Take shorter showers. Every minute, 5-10 gallons of hot water is running down the drain.
4. Only run the dishwasher when there’s a full load and check the detergent directions. Most do not recommend pre-rinsing dishes before putting in the dishwasher.
5. Use a bowl or pan filled with water to wash and rinse fruits and vegetables.
6. Use a bucket with soapy water to wash the car. Then rinse using a spray nozzle on the hose for the most efficient use of water.
7. Water the lawn early in the day. This reduces evaporation loss and helps prevent the growth of fungus on the lawn.
8. Add mulch or other organic matter around trees and shrubs. This material holds moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering.
9. Make sure the sprinkler is set correctly to water the lawn. Overspray just runs down the walk or driveway and into the storm sewer.
10. Use a timer when watering the lawn to remember to move the sprinkler to a new area or turn it off.
11. Install a cover on your pool. This will reduce evaporation and the need to keep refilling the pool. If you use a solar cover, it will also reduce energy use by not running the pool heater as much.
12. Use a broom to clean off sidewalks and driveways. Using a hose to clean these areas can use 80 gallons each time.
13. Recycle water. Use captured rainwater to wash your car or water your plants. You also can collect water in a bucket in the shower as you wait for the water to heat up.
14. Use a pool cover. This will reduce evaporation and the need to keep refilling the pool.

By following these steps, you can help conserve and reuse water from home sources, saving you money on utility bills and helping to improve the environment.

Ways to Conserve Water In and Around Your Home

1. Install Water-Saving Fixtures

Installing water-saving fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, water-efficient shower heads, and adjustable toilet flappers, can help conserve water in and around the home by reducing the amount of water used for daily activities. Low-flow toilets typically use 1.6 gallons or less per flush, which is 70% less than a traditional toilet. Aerators, which are inexpensive and easy to install, can reduce water consumption in the faucet by 30-50%. Water-efficient shower heads can save up to 10 gallons of water per day, and adjustable toilet flappers can be adjusted to the minimum per flush setting for the most efficient use. Additionally, installing a composting toilet can eliminate the need for any water use in the bathroom. All of these measures can contribute to significant water savings.

Installing water-saving fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators can help reduce your household’s overall water usage by cutting down on water waste. High-efficiency toilets use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush and dual flush toilets offer further reductions as they allow you to adjust the flush rate to the minimum per flush setting. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute, helping you to take shorter showers and save water in other activities. By replacing your old fixtures with water-efficient ones, you can easily save tens of thousands of gallons of water each year.

2. Turn Off the Faucet when Not in Use

Turning off the faucet when not in use can help conserve water by reducing the amount of water that is being wasted. By simply shutting off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face, up to 8 gallons of water per day can be saved. This can add up to 200 gallons of gray water per month that does not need to be treated. Additionally, turning off the faucet when rinsing vegetables or fruit, using a displacement device in the toilet tank, repairing leaky taps or toilets, and taking shorter showers can all help reduce water usage. Conservation of water also helps reduce energy costs.

3. Check for Water Leaks

How can you check for water leaks in your home? [Step-by-step instructions]

1. Check your taps under the sink for any drips when the tap is fully off.
2. Install a leak strip in your toilet bowl, which will change colour if your toilet is leaking water.
3. Inspect your plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year during Fix a Leak Week.
4. Replace worn washers or valve seats on leaky faucets.
5. Check hose washers and hose connections outside the house for leaks.
6. Inspect your washing machine hose regularly and replace it if it’s worn.
7. Track your water bill and meter to curtail water use.
8. Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.
9. Take shorter (5 minute) showers.
10. Install high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, and water-efficient shower heads.
11. Turn off water when brushing teeth or shaving.
12. Download and use the EPA’s free guide for detecting water leaks in your home.

4. Repair Household Fixtures

Repairing household fixtures such as leaky toilets, aerators, shower heads, and hose washers can help conserve water and save money. Leaks, no matter how small, can add up and cost households gallons of water every day. It is important to check for leaks regularly and replace worn fixtures with water-efficient models. By investing in new, water-efficient models and properly maintaining existing fixtures, households can reduce their water usage, lower their water bills, and help protect our planet.

5. Use Half Loads with the Washer

Using half loads with the washer can help conserve water in and around the home by limiting the amount of water used for washing. It can also save energy costs, as cold water is more energy efficient than hot or warm water. Additionally, some newer models of washing machines have a load-sensing feature that can automatically adjust the water level according to the size of the load. This will ensure that users use the amount of water necessary to get the job done. Finally, using the appropriate soil setting for the load is important, as choosing the heavy-duty setting can use more water and extend wash time.

6. Take Shorter Showers

Taking shorter showers can help conserve water in and around your home by reducing the amount of water used by individuals. By limiting showers to around five minutes, individuals can reduce their water usage by up to 70 gallons per shower compared to the 15.8-gallon average of an American shower. Additionally, turning off the shower after soaping up and then turning it back on to rinse can further reduce water usage by approximately 20-40 gallons. Other strategies, such as fixing leaks, installing high-efficiency toilets, and installing water-efficient shower heads, can all help decrease water use in the home.

7. Use a Bucket Instead of a Sprinkler

Using a bucket instead of a sprinkler to water your garden can help conserve water in a few ways. First, collecting rainwater in a water butt or bucket can provide an abundant supply of water to use for your garden without having to rely on your sprinkler system. Second, washing the car with a bucket of water instead of the hose helps conserve water as well, as does using a bucket to wash fruits and vegetables. Lastly, washing the driveway and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose helps reduce water usage and runoff. Collectively, these small changes can help conserve water and reduce water consumption.

8. Plant Drought-Tolerant Plants

1. Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants and trees. Choose native plants and trees that are suited to your climate and require less water than non-native plant species.
2. Recycle indoor water to use on plants. Collect shower, sink, and laundry water in buckets, rain barrels, or a garden hose and use it to water your plants.
3. Refrain from watering your home landscape when it rains. Let Mother Nature take care of your lawn and allow the rainwater to nourish your plants.
4. Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants. Use drought-tolerant plants, such as cactuses, succulents, and wildflowers, in place of grass to reduce water consumption.
5. Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose. This is an easy way to conserve water and keep your outdoor areas clean.
6. Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler. This will help your plants absorb more water and reduce the amount of evaporation.
7. Use water-conservation products for your home and yard. Invest in products such as xeriscape landscaping, low-flow aerators and showerheads, front-load washing machines, and drip-irrigation systems to reduce water consumption.
8. Remember to keep your sprinklers off if you have a garden. Instead, invest in a water butt or use cooking water to water your garden.
9. Water outdoor plants in the early morning or at the end of the day. Doing this will stop water immediately evaporating in sunlight and heat.
10. Leave out a water-filled container for birds, bees, and other insects. Thirsty animals need water too, so leave out a bowl or saucer of water with stones in it.

9. Recycle Your Grey Water

Recycling grey water can help conserve water in and around the home in a number of ways. By simply collecting and reusing the lightly-used water runoff from your bath, shower, or sink, you can significantly reduce the amount of water wasted. Installing a grey water system can also help you capture and reuse up to thousands of gallons of water per year, as well as by using eco-friendly and plant-based soaps and cleaners to prevent industrial chemicals from entering the grey water. Additionally, harvesting rainwater with a catchment system and using a soil moisture meter to gauge when it is necessary to water plants can help reduce water waste. Planting drought-resistant grasses, shrubs, and plants, as well as keeping weeds under control with mulch, can also help conserve water in and around the home.

10. Collect and Reuse Rainwater

Rainwater collection and reuse can help conserve water in and around the home by providing a free water supply that can be used to water plants or wash cars. Additionally, using a pool cover and composting can help reduce water lost to evaporation and limit the amount of water needed for garbage disposal, respectively. Finally, homeowners can check with their water or energy provider for any rebates or discounts on appliances or programs that make their home more efficient. All of these actions can add up to significant water savings.

Tips for Reducing Your Household’s Overall Water Usage

2. Reduce Your Household’s Overall Water Usage

Step 1: Fix any leaks in your toilet and install water-efficient fixtures such as high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets and water-efficient shower heads.

Step 2: Take shorter showers, no longer than five minutes.

Step 3: Monitor your water bill and meter to keep track of your water usage.

Step 4: Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Step 5: Use a dishwasher and washing machine with full loads only.

Step 6: Use a displacement device in the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water required to flush.

Step 7: Repair any leaky taps or toilets immediately.

Step 8: Consider getting a small capacity toilet when replacing an old one.

Step 9: Let smaller children bathe together.

Step 10: When washing dishes by hand, fill a basin or sink for rinsing rather than letting the water run.

Step 11: Avoid running the tap for a glass of water; put a bottle in the refrigerator to stay cold.

Step 12: Never pour oil or grease down the drain; it requires too much water to rinse it down and may clog the drain.

Step 13: Wash only full loads of clothes.

Step 14: Use buckets and tubs to wash your car or the dog rather than a continuous running hose.

Step 15: Water lawns and gardens only when needed and only during the early morning or evening when evaporation is lower.

Step 16: Use a nozzle on your garden hose to act as a flow-restrictor and reduce water use significantly.

Step 17: Cut grass to no less than two or three inches tall to reduce the amount of water needed.

Step 18: Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of washing them down with a hose.

Step 19: Reuse as much water as possible.

Step 20: If lawn watering is scheduled, let kids play in the hose or sprinkler in a grassy area instead of filling a wading pool.

Step 21: Look for leaks in your bathrooms. Regularly inspect your pipes, faucets, toilets and showerheads for leaks.

Step 22: Limit toilet flushing; every flush uses four gallons of water.

Step 23: Limit faucet use; don’t let the tap run when brushing teeth, washing hands or shaving.

Step 24: Take a shower, not a bath. If you do bathe, fill the tub only partway.

Step 25: Use a low-flow or WaterSense-labeled showerhead to reduce water use significantly.

3. Use Half Loads When Doing Laundry

Using half loads when doing laundry can help reduce water usage in households by taking advantage of the load-sensing feature on newer washing machines, which automatically determines the load size and the amount of water needed. It is also important to use the appropriate water level setting, cold water whenever possible, and the right soil setting for the load to maximize efficiency and reduce water usage. Additionally, front-load washing machines are more water efficient than top-load models and Energy Star washing machines can use up to 40 percent less water than regular washers.

4. Use a Low-Water Setting for Your Washing Machine

Using a low water setting for your washing machine can help reduce a household’s overall water usage by using less water per cycle. This is especially true for Energy Star washing machines, which use 33 percent less water than other models. Furthermore, setting the washing machine to the appropriate load size or water level setting uses significantly less water than a full load, which can help save a significant amount of water. Additionally, opting for a front-load machine is more water efficient than a top-load model, and using cold water whenever possible can also help reduce energy costs. All of these steps can lead to a lower overall water usage, helping to conserve water both inside and outside of the home.

5. Take Shorter Showers

Taking shorter showers can help reduce your household’s overall water usage by reducing the amount of water used in the shower. Shorter showers use less water than longer showers, with the average shower using 15.8 gallons of water for just 7.8 minutes. By reducing your shower time to 4 minutes or less, you can save up to 10 gallons of water. Additionally, turning off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth can help further reduce water usage.

6. Swap Your Bath for a Shower

Switching from baths to showers can help reduce a household’s overall water usage. Taking a shower instead of a bath typically uses 10 to 25 gallons of water, compared to up to 70 gallons of water for a bath. Additionally, setting a timer for showers and limiting them to around five minutes can help conserve even more water. Finally, by turning off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth and capturing used water in a container, households can further save on water usage.

7. Replace Your Lawn With Low-Water Usage Plants

Replacing your lawn with low-water usage plants can help reduce your household’s overall water usage in a number of ways. First, water-wise plants require less water than a grassy lawn, which can soak up more water than any other plant in your yard. Additionally, lawns need to be fertilized, which promotes new growth, and mowing them requires additional water. By eliminating the need to fertilize and mow your lawn, you can significantly reduce your water usage. You can also reduce water evaporation and runoff by replacing your lawn with plants that provide their own shade, like ornamental grasses. Finally, by replacing your lawn with a low-water usage garden, you can save on your water bill and benefit the environment.

8. Use Containers or Hoses to Collect Rainwater

Rain barrels and hoses can help reduce your household’s overall water usage by capturing rainwater and using it to water plants and clean outdoor areas, instead of using water from a faucet. This conserves energy and water, since the rainwater is not treated and the use of it helps to reduce your water bills. Installing a rain barrel or using a hose with a shut off valve can also help limit water wastage, as they are designed to prevent excess water from running off.

9. Use a Drain Water Reuse System for Your Yard

Using a drain water reuse system can help reduce your household’s overall water usage by harvesting grey water from sinks, bathtubs, and laundry machines. This water can then be used to water plants in the landscape, which would otherwise be wasted. By rerouting this grey water to your landscape, thousands of gallons of water can be saved per year. This can help reduce the amount of water used for irrigation and other landscaping needs, thus reducing your household’s overall water usage. Additionally, when using a grey water system, it is important to use eco-friendly and plant-based soaps and cleaners in order to avoid dousing plants with industrial chemicals.

10. Install a Water-Saving Faucet

Installing a water-saving faucet is one of the simplest and most cost-efficient methods to help reduce your household’s overall water usage. These faucets are equipped with aerators, which reduce the amount of water flowing out of the faucet while maintaining the same pressure. This helps to conserve water and reduce your water bill significantly. By replacing all the faucets in the home with water-saving faucets, you can save hundreds of gallons of water each month.

11. Collect Kitchen Waste for Composting

Collecting kitchen waste can help reduce water usage in a number of ways. By composting food scraps, you can fertilize your soil naturally, reducing the need for artificial fertilizers, and help create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. When washing dishes by hand, plug up the sink or use a wash basin instead of running water. You can also use a dishwasher and make sure it’s fully loaded before starting it. When thawing food, do it in the refrigerator overnight, rather than using hot water from the tap. Additionally, capture rainwater to wash your car or water your plants, and use a pool cover to reduce water lost to evaporation. Overall, these strategies can help reduce your water usage and save you money.

12. Use a Soaker Hose Instead of a Traditional Hose

A soaker hose is a great way to reduce your household’s overall water usage. When used correctly, soaker hoses can deliver water directly to the roots of your lawn and garden plants, reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation. Soaker hoses also enable you to water your lawn and plants without having to stand outside and move a hose around. This not only reduces water waste from over-watering, but also saves you time and energy. Additionally, using a soaker hose eliminates the need to use a garden hose, thereby reducing the amount of water used during the lawn and garden maintenance process.

13. Adjust Your Toilet’s Water Usage

Adjusting your toilet’s water usage can greatly reduce your household’s overall water usage. Installing high-efficiency toilets, displacement devices, and low flush toilets can reduce the amount of water used for each flush from 3-5 gallons to 1-2 gallons. This reduction can save the average family up to 20% of water per toilet. Additionally, avoiding unnecessary flushing and not using the toilet as a garbage can can help reduce water usage further. These steps can save the average family up to 500 gallons of water per year.

14. Install a Water Butt or Rain Barrel

Installing a water butt or rain barrel can help reduce your household’s overall water usage because it can capture and store excess rainwater which can be used for outdoor activities such as watering plants or washing your car, instead of using treated tap water. This can help save energy by reducing the amount of water that needs to be treated and also helps you save on water bills. Additionally, using a pool cover to reduce water lost to evaporation can further help reduce water usage.

Consider purchasing the following items to help you collect rain:

15. Track Your Household’s Water Usage

Tracking your household’s water usage can help reduce water consumption by allowing you to identify areas of potential water waste. This can include recognizing areas of high water use, such as long showers, or recognizing a leak in a water pipe or faucet. By cutting down on water use in these areas, you can reduce your overall water usage and lower your water bill. Additionally, tracking your household’s water usage will help you identify and replace outdated fixtures, such as toilets and showerheads, with newer, water-efficient models, which can result in significant water savings.

16. Contact Your Water Utility About Conservation Programs

Step-by-step instructions for contacting your local water utility about conservation programs:

1. Visit your local water utility’s website or call the customer service number listed on your monthly bill.
2. Ask to speak to someone in the customer service department who specializes in water conservation programs.
3. Inquire about the types of conservation programs they offer and any rebates or discounts available.
4. Ask about any free water audits they may provide and any home improvement projects they may offer assistance with.
5. Ask about water-saving devices, such as low-flow showerheads, that can help reduce water usage.
6. Inquire about any educational materials or classes they may provide.
7. Ask about any water conservation tips or local water-saving initiatives.
8. If you have any additional questions or would like to discuss water conservation further, ask for the contact information of the department responsible for water conservation.

17. Go Green in the Yard

Going green in the yard can help reduce your household’s overall water usage by implementing smart watering strategies, such as watering grass and plants only when they need it and avoiding watering when it is windy. Additionally, changing mowing practices, such as raising the lawn mower blade as high as it will go and leaving grass clippings on the ground to trap moisture, can also help reduce water usage. Finally, replacing grass/turf with water-wise plants and refraining from watering your home landscape when it rains can reduce your household’s water usage.

18. Educate Yourself About Water Conservation

Educating yourself about water conservation can help reduce your household’s overall water usage in a variety of ways. Replacing water-wasting appliances, making small lifestyle changes, and modifying outdoor watering habits can all help save water and money. With the simple steps and informational tools available, it’s easier than ever to make an effort to conserve water. Knowing the facts on water use during the hot summer months when water use increases can help curb water waste. Understanding the importance of saving water during droughts can help you go the extra mile to save water. Lastly, understanding the benefits of using water efficiently can ensure reliable water supplies for future generations.