Water saving tips for the family
Even if our Earth seems to have plenty of water, clean drinkable water is a commodity that is becoming more and more valuable every day. To protect our environment and to save money, take a look at these easy water conservation tips.
* Turn off the faucet. The easiest way to cut down on water consumption is to not let the faucet run. Whether you’re washing dishes or you’re brushing your teeth, turning off the faucet conserves gallons of water each day.
* Choose xeriscaping or xerogardening, which is basically common sense garden or landscape design that uses species and materials in order to reduce supplemental irrigation. Xeriscape plants don’t need much water to thrive. Plants like Thyme, lavender and others can grow quite beautifully on very little moisture.
* Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
* Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades roots and retains soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped. This is better for your grass and motivates the roots to grow deep making it hardy and thick.
* Use your extra water from cooking or water from pet bowls to water plants.
* Use a rain barrel to collect water and then use this water to water your garden or lawn.
* Trim your shower time by a minute or two and you can save up to 150 gallons each month. Try a lower water temperature and you’ll find it easier to leave the shower earlier.
* Check your toilet for leaks and fix them or replace your toilet with a low flush toilet.
* Use a water efficient showerhead and put aerators on all your faucets.
* Wash your clothes when the machine is full.
* Wash dishes by hand. Washing dishes is easy if you soak them for a few minutes.
* Visit only car washes that use recycled water. Wash your car with recycled water.
* Avoid flushing the toilet unless it’s necessary. Don’t use it as a garbage can where you toss tissues, cotton swabs and other items in.
* Fix all leaky faucets. Experts estimate we lose about 2700 gallons of water each year from leaky faucets.
* Insulate your pipes so you don’t have to run the water as long to reach your desired temperature.
As water becomes more and more scarce and our resources diminish the cost of water will continue to rise. Practice and instill good water conservation habits as a family now and reap the benefits for years to come.
