WATER CONSERVATION TIPS
Household Hints to Conserve Water and Money
Did you know that all water is recycled? We drink the same water that the dinosaurs did and future generations will drink that same water. That’s why it is our job to use water wisely and protect water supplies whenever and wherever possible. If we each save a small amount of water each day, our combined savings will add up to millions of gallons each year.
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. This stretches our total water supply farther and by using less water it also puts less pressure on the sewage treatment facilities and uses less energy for water heating.
Here is a list of effective ways to conserve water in and around your home and save money. Look through the list for ways that will work for you and try to implement them.
- To reduce the water bill make sure your house is leak-free. If your water meter is moving even though all faucets are off, your house most likely has a leak somewhere. Fix all leaky faucets and plumbing joints. The saving per day for every leak stopped can be approximately 20 gallons.
- To reduce the water bill don’t use the hose to wash your car. Use a bucket of water and if needed add a quick hose rinse at the end. You can save approximately 150 gallons each time. For a two-car family that’s up to 1,200 gallons a month.
- To reduce the water bill install water-saving shower heads or low-flow fixtures in your home. Doing this can save you approximately 500 to 800 gallons per month.
- To reduce the water bill use your water appliances efficiently. Run full loads in the washing machine or dishwasher. You can save approximately 300 to 800 gallons per month.
- To reduce the water bill shorten your showers. Even a one or two minute reduction can save up to approximately 150 gallons per month per person.
- To reduce the water bill use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. You can save approximately 150 gallons or more each time.
- To reduce the water bill do not use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Do you know how to check the toilet for leaks? Add a few drops of food colouring to the tank and wait for about fifteen minutes without flushing. If the tank is leaking you will see the coloured water appear in the bowl. Have a plumber fix the problem for you. It can save you approximately 400 to 600 gallons a month.
- To reduce the water bill capture tap water while you wait for the hot water to come through the pipes. Catch the water in a container and use it later to water house plants or your garden. You can save 200 to 300 gallons of water per month.
- To reduce the water bill be careful not to defrost frozen foods, wash dishes or peel vegetables with the water running. Use a filled sink or pan instead. Changing this habit can save you between 50 and 150 gallons a month.
- To reduce the water bill turn off the water when you are not using it. Do not let it run while brushing your teeth, soaping or shaving. You can save up to three gallons per person per day.
- To reduce the water bill water the lawn or garden only when necessary in the early morning or late evening and not during the heat of the day when evaporation is at its peak. Plant drought resistant trees and plants.
- To reduce the water bill use the least amount of detergent possible when washing dishes or clothes by hand. This minimises the rinse water needed. You can save between 50 and 150 gallons a month.
- To reduce the water bill make use of the rainwater when it rains. Collect it in a sealed container and use it for watering house plants, washing the car or other uses for which non-potable water can suffice.
- During the dry season expect vegetation to look brown, this is normal. To reduce the water bill if you must water a lawn or plants, do so early morning or late evening no more than every three to five days. Watering more frequently is often not beneficial; in fact it may actually harm your lawn.
- Always keep some clean empty bottles handy to store water should the need arise. These may prove helpful during the dry season or the Hurricane Season.
There are other ways in which you can conserve or recycle water in or around your home. If you know of any others, then use them and share the information with your friends and family so that they too can reap the benefits of conserving water and money.
