Water conservation is an important part of the environment protection, especially when you consider the fact that more and more areas around the world are dealing with droughts. Reducing water consumption in households on a global scale can truly make a valuable contribution to the environment preservation. Thus, you should consider introducing several simple yet effective changes that can cut your water footprint. Not only will this have a positive impact on the environment, but it can also reduce your water bill and boost your savings in the long run.
Turn off the taps
Leaving the water running while you’re brushing your teeth, soaping your hair or scrubbing the dishes is a major source of water loss. All you need to do to prevent this is turn your taps off. This is a simple habit that all of your household members should adopt and stick to. When brushing your teeth, you can even fill a glass of water and use it for rinsing.
Install a dual-flush toilet
The toilet is one of the biggest water consumers in your home because it’s most frequently used. You should consider installing a dual-flush toilet with two flushing options. However, since this might be a bit expensive, there’s another solution that will help you reduce water consumption when flushing. Placing a plastic bottle of water in the tank will reduce the amount of water used.
Mind the flushing
Another important thing to have in mind when it comes to flushing your toilet is that you shouldn’t use it for disposal. Instead of flushing wet wipes, tissues and other waste down the toilet, you should throw them in the bin. Not only will you reduce your water consumption, but you’ll also minimize the risk of your toilet getting clogged.
Make your showers short
There’s nothing more refreshing and relaxing than a long shower, especially on those particularly hot or cold days. However, long showers should definitely be avoided as they are a major waste of water. So, keep your showers short and under no circumstances should you take frequent baths. While a ten-minute shower uses around 25 gallons of water, a bath can use up to 50 gallons of water.
Check for leaks
When it comes to water leaks, you might be wasting water without even knowing it. No matter how small a leak, it eventually amounts to a major water loss. Thus, it’s essential that you check your home for leaks, especially around the toilet, faucets and other areas of your home. While you’ll be able to repair some leaks on your own, you might need to call a plumber for others.
Get your pipes fixed
Aged, corroded or burst pipes can cause a significant water loss and lead to a sizeable bill. For example, billions of liters of water are lost in Australia due to aged plumbing systems, corroded or burst pipes. Thus, more and more Australians are turning to experienced plumbers who are implementing different solutions, such as quick and reliable pipe relining in Sydney, a method with a proven record in Europe and the USA that has recently become popular in Australia. Therefore, you should also research your options and seek professional help in time because a faulty plumbing system can cause a serious damage and a great water loss.
Switch to water-saving fixtures
Low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators can reduce your water consumption significantly. Aerators will provide you with a great flow rate but use significantly less water. You can find affordable options, but even if they cost more at first, they will pay off in the long term.
Choose local plants
If you’re a gardening enthusiast, you should embellish your backyard with native plant species. They are adjusted to the climate in your country and are more drought-resistant. Although exotic species might seem stunning, they typically require more water to survive.
Set up a rain barrel
Harvesting rainwater can significantly reduce your water consumption for outdoor use. Every time it rains, you just need to place a barrel out in the open or under a gutter. Later on, you can use rainwater for watering plants and your lawn instead of using a hose.
Don’t hose the driveway
We all like to keep our driveways nice and clean but using a hose every time you want to clean it is just a waste of water. Instead, you should just use a broom to sweep it. It will look great and you’ll save a sizeable amount of water.
With these simple changes, you’ll be able to cut your water consumption significantly and contribute to the environment preservation.
Bio: Cooper Klein is an entrepreneur with a degree in Marketing. He’s interested in real estate and home decor. In order to spend more time with his family, Cooper decided to take a break, and he’s currently working from home as a blogger for Smoothdecorator and several other sites. You can find him on Twitter.
