Water conservation is an easy way to save money while helping to conserve a precious resource. And to get started, you won't have to spend a penny.
1. Sink Savings
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Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, combing your hair and other ablutions to save a whopping 240 gallons a month, according to the EPA. The same logic applies when washing vegetables and performing other chores at the kitchen sink. If your faucets don't have an aerator (the little round attachment that makes the water bubbly), or if the aerator is clogged, clean it out or install a new aerator -- they cost just a couple of bucks and take one minute to screw in. Check out more smart ways to go green in the bathroom.
2. Water-Wise Outdoors
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The typical home uses about one-third of their water outdoors, irrigating plants and watering lawns -- and up to half of that just evaporates. Save water by irrigating only when it's really necessary, and water at dawn or after sunset to minimize evaporation loss. There are many other ways to conserve water outdoors, from weather-smart sprinklers to underground irrigation; for more smart tips, see these top 10 trends in green landscape design.
3. Fill it up
Washing machines can use up to 40 gallons of water per load, and dishwashers use 10 to 15 gallons per load. By running these appliances only when you have a full load, you'll save water while you also lower your electric bills.
4. Shower Power
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Taking a sit-down bath uses 50 to 70 gallons of water; a five-minute shower uses just 10 to 20. Add in the energy savings from less hot water use, and you can see where this is headed. Plus, a new WaterSense showerhead costs just a few dollars, take a minute or two to screw on, and saves even more water.
5. Speaking of Leaking
A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day. Leaks in sinks and water pipes are just as bad, if not worse. Diagnosing toilet leaks is easy -- look for water dribbling into the bowl, or put a few drops of food coloring in the tank; if the color leaks into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
6. New Water-Saving Fixtures
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There's nothing quite like getting a new washing machine, dishwasher, toilet or other appliance or fixture. But when you're shopping for these items, save money over the long term by choosing water- and energy-conserving WaterSense or EnergyStar appliances. They may cost a little more at first, but you'll recoup the savings in a matter of months.
7. Call the Local Experts
Many water districts and municipal governments have good water conservation outreach programs. Some do free household water audits, others supply you with free low-flow showerheads, aerators or toilets, and still others have landscaping experts who can give you a free yard and garden analysis. Contact your local water department and ask what kind of support they can provide you.
