5 Surprising Ways to Conserve More Water at Home

Over the last 60 years, the amount of water used in the average American household has increased by more than 125%. While wasting water may not seem like a big deal to some, the reality is that it can have harmful effects on the environment and increase household utility costs. If you’re interested in learning how to cut down on your water usage, keep reading.

Five surprising ways you can conserve more water at home:

1. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth

Brushing your teeth every day is a good habit, but leaving the water running while you do it isn’t. Unfortunately, it’s something that many people do without even thinking. Keeping the water on while brushing your teeth could result in wasting eight gallons of water per day, so it’s important to remember to turn the water off when brushing, flossing, and gargling with mouthwash.

2. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load

If you’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher or washing machine in your home, you probably appreciate the convenience these appliances offer. Although it can be tempting to wash small loads of clothes or run the dishwasher every time there are a few dirty dishes, it’s best to wait until you have a full load before using either machine. If your appliances have an energy efficient setting, you may also want to consider using it whenever possible.

3. Check plumbing and appliances for leaks

Although leaks may not seem like anything more than minor inconveniences, they can actually cause lots of harm. On top of wasting water, some leaks can increase your home’s energy consumption and even cause water damage and/or flooding in your home if gone unchecked for too long. Even if you haven’t noticed your dishwasher, air conditioner, or washing machine leaking lately, it’s important to get these appliances checked on a regular basis. If you find any issues, check to see if the necessary repairs or replacements are covered by a home warranty before hiring a technician to fix the leaks.

4. Shorten your showers

The average person in the US spends more than eight minutes in the shower every day. This results in more than 100 gallons of water wasted each week due to showers alone. Cutting down on time spent in the shower (by half) could be a great way to conserve water in your home. In addition to saving water, shorter showers also have other benefits including saving energy from your hot water heater.

5. Refrigerate your drinking water

Do you run the faucet until the water is cold before filling up your cup or bottle for a drink? Although this may seem like the sensible thing to do, it actually wastes water. Instead, you should keep some drinking water in the refrigerator at all times. Additionally, you could save water by keeping a Brita water container in your fridge—this prevents you from buying plastic water bottles and keeps your water cool at all times.

Make a difference by conserving water

Managing water consumption in your household may sound intimidating, but by making small changes in a few areas, you can save hundreds of gallons of water each month. For more ways you can make a positive impact on the environment and preserve the earth’s natural resources, check out this comprehensive guide to conserving water.

About the author

Marla

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Hi! Thanks for visiting my blog! I believe in living green, organically, and natural in every aspect of our lives. My mission is to help educate you on how to live green, help save our environment and to help you and your family live a happier, healthier life!