Water is one of our most precious resources, yet it's easy to take for granted. Did you know that the average American household wastes nearly 10,000 gallons of water every year due to leaks alone? Imagine the difference we could make if every home took small steps to reduce water use.
Today, we will talk about simple ways to save water, help reduce your bills, and contribute to a sustainable future. You can easily implement these tips in your daily routine. By following these suggestions, you can make a positive impact on the environment.
Upgrade to a Water-Efficient Toilet
If your toilet is older or you’re in the market for an upgrade, think about getting a high-efficiency toilet with a WaterSense® label. WaterSense toilets can reduce the amount of water used for flushing by 20% to 60% compared to old, inefficient models. This can save up to 13,000 gallons of water each year, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Additionally, you may qualify for rebates from your utility provider. View local toilet rebate programs.
Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Showerhead
Switching to a high-efficiency showerhead can save around 2,700 gallons of water per year without sacrificing water pressure. The EPA notes that WaterSense-labeled showerheads also save enough electricity to power your home for 11 days.
Detect and Fix Leaks to Save Water
Common indoor leaks include dripping faucets, showerheads, or water supply connections. Leaky toilets are a significant cause of household water waste. A worn-out flapper is often the culprit, leading to a waste of up to 200 gallons per day.
Toilets waste water when the float valve settings are incorrect, causing the water to shut off too late and overfill the tank. This excess water flows through a pipe into the bowl, often raising the water level 2-3 inches above the manufacturer's recommendation.
To check your toilet for leaks, follow these four simple steps:
- Start with a clean toilet free of cleaning agents and remove the tank lid.
- Add a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the tank.
- Do not flush. Wait 10-15 minutes.
- Check the water in the bowl. You have a leak if you see color.
Want a guide to help track down household leaks? Use the EPA’s at-home leak detection checklist to track down and fix leaks.
Maximize Water Savings in the Kitchen
Switching to an ENERGY STAR® dishwasher instead of hand-washing dishes can save about 5,800 gallons of water over its lifetime. These dishwashers are designed to use less water while maintaining effective cleaning performance. Additionally, eliminating the pre-rinse step before loading dishes into the dishwasher can further reduce water use. Making this simple adjustment to your dishwashing routine can lead to significant water savings over time.
Change Your Bathroom Routine
Simple changes in your bathroom routine can save thousands of gallons of water per year. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth to save about 3,000 gallons annually. Use a no-rinse conditioner and shave at the sink instead of in the shower.
Keep showers short and avoid full baths, which can use up to 70 gallons of water compared to 10-25 gallons for showers. The average shower length is 8 minutes. How long is your shower?
Monitor Your Use
Staying informed about your water use is crucial to reducing household water use and saving money on future utility bills. Your local water utility may provide tools like mobile apps and email alerts to help you track your water use in real time. These tools help you see how much water you use each day, week, and month. They can show patterns and alert you to possible leaks.