Conserve Precious Water
Greentips: August 2002
In the dog days of August, our thoughts turn to water—truly a precious resource. Conservation not only helps ensure that our water supply is adequate; it also protects the quality of our water. Here's what you can do to conserve at home.
CUT DOWN ON WASTE
- Don't use your toilet as a wastepaper basket. Throw tissues in the garbage.
- Don't run water unnecessarily.
- Turn water off while shaving, brushing teeth and scrubbing dishes.
- Keep drinking water in the refrigerator, rather than letting the tap run till the water gets cool.
- Instead of using water to thaw frozen food,defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Scrape dishes, instead of rinsing them, before loading the dishwasher.
- Turn water off while shaving, brushing teeth and scrubbing dishes.
- Take showers instead of baths, and make them short. When you do take a bath, close the drain first, then turn on the water. Don't fill the tub more than halfway.
- Use your machines efficiently.
- Wait for a full load to run the dishwasher.
- Use the shortest wash cycle your dishwasher allows, unless dishes are very dirty.
- Select the appropriate water level or load size on your washing machine.
- Wait for a full load to run the dishwasher.
- Use a broom or rake instead of a hose to clear debris from driveways and other paved areas outside.
REDUCE LOSS THROUGH EVAPORATION
- Water your lawn and plants in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is lower.
- Put a layer of organic mulch around your plants.
- Keep a pool cover on the pool when it's not in use.
RECYCLE
- Put a small basin in your sink to collect water. Reuse the water for plants and cleaning.
- Take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles water.
IMPROVE YOUR EQUIPMENT
- Replace conventional toilets with ultra-low flow toilets, and save an average of 4 gallons per flush. Alternatively, put plastic containers filled with water in your toilet tanks. This saves less, but still helps. (Just keep the containers away from the flush mechanism.)
- Install low-flow aerators and showerheads to save 2-3 gallons on average per minute.
- Get a horizontal-axis washing machine. They're more expensive, but they reduce water usage by about 50%. Contrary to popular belief, top-loading models are available.
- Control water flow in hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles.
- Repair all leaks, which can cost tens of thousands of gallons a year. A leaky toilet alone can waste 200 gallons per day—and the leak is often invisible. To see if you have one, add food coloring to the tank water. You know there's a leak if colored water appears in the bowl.
A bonus to saving water is that it often saves energy as well. That's extra good news for the environment—and your wallet!
