Hacks That Save Water at Home
It is important to save water at home, both for your finances and the environment. Luckily, there are simple changes in behavior that can help you use a lot less water in your household. There are also some upgrades you can make that will save water over time and ultimately pay for themselves. Here are 5 ways to save water.
Only Wash Full Loads to Save Water
If you run the washing machine or dishwasher with only a few things in the load, you are wasting water. If you wait until you have a full load, you’ll run these machines less often and save water. You’ll also help your machines last longer since they will undergo less wear and tear. Just be careful to not overload them.
Water Plants With Recycled Water
If you have houseplants in your home or potted plants on the porch, you can use recycled water for them. If you are washing vegetables in the sink, catch the water in a bowl to re-use this way. This can also be done with water used to boil pasta after it has cooled down.
Turn Off the Faucet as Much as Possible
There is no reason to leave the water running while you are brushing your teeth for a couple of minutes. People get in the habit of leaving the tap on, but it wastes gallons of water. While brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hair, you can turn off the faucet or showerhead and then turn it back on to rinse.
Home Upgrades That Save Water
There are also some home upgrades you can make that will reduce your water consumption without having to think about it.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
When it is time to get a new dishwasher or washing machine, research how much water they use and choose the most water-efficient model. Usually, those with an ENERGY-STAR certification are the best bet as they use less water and energy. A more affordable upgrade is to replace water fixtures like toilets, faucets, and showerheads with WaterSense models. These are certified by the EPA to use a fraction of the water than older fixtures do.
Rain Barrels Save Water
Rain barrels attach to gutter downspouts to collect rainwater. If you have a large yard or garden to water, it makes sense to add these to your home. A garden hose can be attached to the barrel to water your plants directly from it. You won’t be racking up your water bill when you water your plants.
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