Water conservation is a means by which people can adjust to or remove the problems that threaten the water supply. Many homeowners begin with standard strategies such as the installation of efficient plumbing fixtures. Low-flow toilets, no-touch faucets, and water-saving sprinkling systems top the list, laying the groundwork for conserving water at home. When people develop useful routines that complement that foundation, water conservation can only increase. Water-saving techniques can be simple to implement on a day to day basis.
Towels
Bath towels are often over-washed. Once used, your personal bath towel can be hung to dry and then reused at least once before washing. After all, it is used to dry a freshly washed person as opposed to something or someone unclean.
Garbage Disposal
The garbage disposal is an often under-addressed cause of water waste. Place all trash in enclosed trash cans, and delay setting them by the road for pick up until trash day. Compost unwanted leftovers. Some municipalities allow the composting of meat; others don’t because it can be an unhealthy practice. Call your local health authority for more information.
Gutters
Take advantage of gutters to simplify the collection of rainwater, which can be used later to water plants and shrubs. Low-functioning gutters should be relieved of old leaves and other debris to allow a free flow of water, and repaired if needed. Place large plastic tubs under the gutters’ spouts for rain collection. Large containers with spigots built into them are easy to use.
Defrosting
Defrosting food in the refrigerator is not only safer from a health perspective but does not require the use of gallons of water to fill the kitchen sink. At the end of the evening meal, remember to move the ingredients for next day’s meal from the freezer to the refrigerator. It’s a relatively easy habit to form.
Pool
Be mindful of how many gallons a private pool can use. Smaller private pools can use 6,000 to 7,000 gallons of water, and those unknowledgeable about pool maintenance may inadvertently waste massive amounts of water while draining and re-filling the pool too often. Hire a pool maintenance professional or learn how to keep your pool fresh using the right treatments in the right amounts. Consider joining a community pool to avoid the hassle and waste that may come with owning a private pool. Filling a private pool can easily triple your water bill.
Lawn
To simplify lawn maintenance and reduce water, leave grass clippings on the ground. Doing so helps the yard retain moisture and keep cooler, decreasing the need for frequent watering.
Pets
Finally, bathe your pets outside in an area of the lawn that needs watering. Water that could otherwise go down the drain will instead nourish the soil, plants, and grass, turning what might have been a barren spot on your land into a greener area.
With enough people practicing water conservation often, there will be plenty for everyone. The good thing is that the water-saving habits people need to build are only a step away
