Most people are aware that conserving water can help out the environment. It can also help trim the costs associated with high water and sewage bills, not to mention the energy costs that it takes to heat the water. We all need it to clean, bathe, and drink, so it can seem like a bit of an effort to scale back on using it. There are a few things you can do to stop using it so much and reduce waste and energy costs associated with your usage.
Install low-flow fixtures in your home. Low-flow faucets, shower heads, and dishwashers can all save you a lot of money by reducing the amount of water needed to get the job done. Faucets and shower heads can come with aerator or you can add them on yourself. These aerator typically restrict the flow rates. If you have an older faucet or shower head, you may want to consider purchasing a new aerator for greatest benefit.
Find and fix the leaks all over your home. Leaks, even slow-dripping leaks, can end up costing you a bundle. The waste is often unbelievable. Just one leak that drips once per second can cause an increase in your utility bills. Repair leaks from faucets, pipes, and shower heads. Regularly inspect these areas to make sure everything is working properly. If you find that your water heater is leaking, then it is time to get a new one.
Take your car to the car wash and wash it yourself there. When you have to pay for something on a time basis outright, you will typically hurry so you do not have to spend so much. When you wash your car at home, it is easy to get lax with how much time you spend letting the hose on. At the car wash, you need to hurry before you run out of money. You might think that using the car wash costs more, but you are helping the environment more.
When you wash your car outside of your home, your soapy liquid and all the mixed in chemicals from your car does not go into the sewer system where it is treated and purified before releasing. It goes down storm drains and into the environment. At a car wash, all the waste goes into a sewer system where it is properly treated. Some recycle and re-use the waste so nothing is releasing into the environment.
Do not let your children play with the water hose outside in the summer. It is very hot, but leaving the hose on for the children to play with is a huge waste. Instead, fill a tub or bucket and supervise your children with it. Take your children to a public pool. Fill up some water balloons and have a battle. Spitz your children with a water bottle. There are other ways to cool down without letting the hose simply run for some time.
Take more showers instead of baths. You will use much less if you take a shower and not filling up the bath tub. Showers are actually more sanitary than baths. You will get cleaner more quickly and more efficiently by taking a shower. If you must take a bath, only fill up the tub part way instead of all the way.
Make sure your dishwasher is full before you run it. Running the dishwasher when it is not full is a waste. You do not need to overload your dishwasher, but it is full enough so that you have a complete load. Do some dishes by hand if you do not have a lot to do. You will save lots of energy and will also help the environment when you become more mindful about the resources that you are using.