Conserving water at home can result in several downstream benefits and savings. It preserves the amount of water in our aquifers and reservoirs and reduces costs associated with water and wastewater treatment and water heating.
Leaky toilets, inefficient showerheads and drippy faucets in a home can waste more than 2,500 gallons of water annually. Water conservation can start simply with checking your house for leaks, inefficiency and drips.
Another way to conserve water is to limit running water when it isn’t necessary. For example, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, and defrost food in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of placing frozen food under running water.
Home gardens are another potential area for water conservation. Thoughtful planning can transform your garden from a water drain to a water-efficient oasis.
Plant drought-resistant plants or those with minimal water needs. Group the plants by similar water needs to avoid waste by watering from plant to plant. A drip irrigation system for plants that require more water can boost efficiency by using less water over a longer period. Alternatively, set lawn sprinklers on a timer to limit water use, and place them where the water will only reach plants, not pavement.
Another conservation option is to use a rain barrel to collect water for purposes other than drinking. Harvested rainwater is an excellent option for watering gardens and washing cars.
You also can collect the cold water that runs while you’re waiting for the water to heat and use it to water houseplants or in the garden. Every drop of running water you can utilize helps.
Reducing water use at home can also help lower your energy use. The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for almost 20% of a home’s energy bill. Switching to an energy-efficient water heater or pump can save you money on electric bills. Heat pumps have higher upfront costs than storage tank models, but tax incentives and rebates can offset this cost.
If upgrading your water heater isn’t an option, there are small changes you can make to increase its efficiency. Reduce hot water use by switching to low-flow faucets and showerheads. You also should turn down the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees and insulate hot water lines to increase savings.
Additional ways to conserve water and electricity in the home include upgrading clothes washers and dishwashers to newer, more energy-efficient models. Running these appliances only when full or selecting a light wash setting reduces water and electricity use. Washing dishes by hand uses more water than an energy-efficient dishwasher, so avoid this method when possible.
If your home uses well water, it’s even more important to be mindful of water conservation, particularly in drier climates. Well pumps run on electricity and can cause higher energy bills. Dry, overpumped wells can cause the pump to run continuously, using excess energy in the process.
Malfunctioning well pumps also lead to spikes in energy use. Regular maintenance can help identify problems, such as leaks and faulty intake, which can lead to increased use of water and electricity.
