10 Ways to Save Water at Home

We’re in the middle of summer and chances are, we’re all using more water to keep cool. You’re probably worried about, not just your water bill, but your impact on the environment as well.

Here are 10 easy ways to save water at home. All of us can improve the way we use water. These tips will surely bring your water consumption down.

[ad#ad-2] 1. Use a front-loading washing machine.

Front-loaders use less water and electricity than top-loading washing machines. So if you’re in the market for a new one, opt for a front-loader. This is especially important if you use cloth diapers.

2. Use the washing machine and dishwasher only for full loads.

Don’t run the washing machine and dishwasher unless you have a full load. Also resist the temptation to rinse the dishes before loading them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off all leftover food before loading. A large rubber spatula works very well. If you must rinse, do so in a bowl or sink full of hot water, instead of under running tap water.

3. Use less water when cleaning yourself.

One of the easy ways to save water is to take showers instead of baths and keep showers short, say 5 minutes long. Use a timer if you have to. Or turn the shower off while you’re soaping up, shampooing your hair or shaving. Also consider installing a low-flow shower head to further reduce the amount of water you use.

4. Use less water when you flush.

Replace your toilet with an ultra-low volume toilet or a dual-flush toilet that lets you choose between a big or small flush. Or, fill a baggie or plastic bottle with stones and water and place it into your tank. You’ll save the same amount of water that’s in the baggie or bottle with each flush.

5. Use rainwater.

Collect rainwater in a barrel or tank and use the collected water for watering your plants and lawn, washing your car, or even flushing the toilet.

6. Make sure you don’t have leaks.

Check your toilets, faucets and pipes for leaks. Don’t forget to check outdoors, too. Fix leaks immediately.

Try the Battery-Powered Water Leak Sensor Alarm (5-pack). This cool gadget detects leaks in your home and will sound an alarm when it does. The pack of 5 means you’ll be able to attach it to many parts of your home that could produce water. You’ll save money and your home from water damage.

7. Don’t let water go down the drain.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, soaping your hands, or washing fruits and vegetables. When washing, fill a basin with water and rinse there instead of under running water.

8. Don’t use water for all cleaning jobs.

Not all cleaning jobs require water. For example, instead of washing your porch, sidewalk or driveway, clean them with a broom or rake.

9. Don’t get drinking water from the tap.

We tend to let the water run until it gets to the desired temperature. Meantime, we’re letting perfectly clean water go right down the drain! Instead, keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge so you’ll always have it cold.

10. Thaw food in a bowl of hot water.

If you forget to thaw food until it’s time for me to cook, don’t put it under running hot water. That’s a lot of water wasted! A much better idea is to fill a basin with hot water and thaw the food there, but only until the food releases from its container. Then continue the thawing process in the microwave.

I hope this list has inspired you to find ways to save water in your own home. This list is not at all exhaustive. If you have other ideas, I hope you will share them in the comments section below.

Enjoy the rest of summer!

Related Articles:

How to Save Water When Washing Cloth Diaper

A Month of Ways to Help Our Earth

Photo by Luz A. Villa

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