Water is one of our most precious resources. As the Earth's population continues to grow, our need for safe, abundant water supplies increases. Unfortunately, much of the world's population lives in areas with limited water resources. In addition, since rainfall totals in recent years have diminished, many countries have experienced problems with droughts, further squeezing the limited water resources that are available.
In order to ensure that an adequate supply of water will be available for years to come, it is important that we pay attention to how much water we use and how much water we waste.
Tips for Conserving Water Inside the Home
Below is list of ideas that you can adopt at home to help conserve water.
- Check faucets, toilets, and other plumbing fittings regularly to make sure they are not leaking and, if they are, make the necessary repairs. A leaking toilet alone can waste up to 500 gallons of water per day.
- Replace older showerheads with newer, low-flow versions. It is estimated that the newer showerheads can save up to 2.5 gallons per minute.
- Try taking shorter showers or turning the water off while soaping and scrubbing, then turning the water back on to rinse.
- Don't let the water run down the drain while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Store a container of drinking water in the refrigerator so that you do not have to let the tap run to get a cold drink of water.
- Make sure to fully load your dishwasher before running (it will use the same amount of water regardless of how many dishes are placed in it). If your dishwasher has energy and/or water-saving options, use them.
- Make sure to adjust the water level in your washing machine to match the amount of clothes being washed. To save even more water, look for front-loading machines - they use less water than top-loading machines.
Tips for Conserving Water Outside the Home
- Do not overwater your lawn. Lawns generally need watering only every five to seven days.
- If you do water your lawn, do so in the early morning hours. Temperatures and winds are generally lowest in the morning, thus reducing the amount of water lost to evaporation.
- If you have a sprinkler system, make sure your sprinklers are positioned so that they water the lawn, not your driveway or sidewalk.
- Turn off automatic sprinkler systems when it has rained. Only water your lawn when it needs it.
- Install a spray nozzle on the end of your garden hose to adjust and control the water flow. When finished using the hose, shut the water off at the spigot to avoid potential leaks at the spray nozzle.
- Do not use water to hose down your driveway or sidewalk.
Most importantly, be aware of and follow all water conservation and use restrictions that may be in effect in your community. Try to do one thing each day to save water. If you have children, make sure they are aware of the need to conserve water. Every drop does matter.
