Shocking as it may sound, the average American household’s leaks can account for over 10,000 gallons of water lost every year. Leaks in homes like yours may waste up to 1 trillion gallons annually on a nationwide scale. With undetected trickles causing this much waste, consider the amount of water lost when we brush our teeth for longer than necessary, run water constantly while washing dishes, or take a 30 minute shower.
On a planet that is quickly approaching a water crisis due to worldwide weather changes and environmentally unsustainable practices, homeowners like yourself can help.
The following are ways that you can save water in your daily life; quick changes that, if made consistently over time, may benefit both your local and worldwide communities.
Look for – and Install – WaterSense®-Labeled Toilets, Urinals, Sink Faucets, and Showerheads
These H20-saving appliances and fixtures can prevent excess waste by using substantially less water than their former counterparts, while performing the same functions with ease. Comfort note: love taking showers? Don’t worry. The quality of showers has more to do with water pressure than water output, so call Simpson if your shower water has slowed to a drip.
Fix Leaks Asap
According to wateruseitwisely.com, one drip every second adds up to five gallons wasted per day! In addition, leaks can lead to bigger pipe issues if left unrepaired, including floods that may damage the interior of your home. Do yourself a favor and call Simpson today to fix any leaks in your home. Unsure if you have any? We can perform a check on suspicious pipes to make sure your system is up-to-date and running smoothly.
Wash Dark Clothes in Cold Water
If you didn’t listen to good ole’ Mom when she told you this years ago, now is the time. Washing your darks in cold water saves both water and energy and helps your clothes retain their color. Conserving water has never been more fashionable!
When Washing laundry, Adjust Your Machine’s Water Level to the Size of the Load
It may sound like a no-brainer, but how many times have you washed a handful of items on the heavy load setting accidentally? Paying close attention to how much water you use on laundry cuts down on unnecessary waste. If your machine does not have load settings, it may be time to invest in a new one.
Reuse Leftover Water from Cooking
Here’s a great reason to start eating more vegetables (as if you needed another one!). Take the water left over from cooking or steaming food and use it as a flavorful base for soups and stews. You’re reusing the water you poured and also consuming any nutrients that leached out of your food into the pot while cooking.
When Shaving, Plug the Sink
Rather than running water continuously, use the water in your sink to rinse your razor. This act alone can save up to 300 gallons a month.
Conserving water is a necessity. By working small changes into your daily routine, you can make a huge environmental impact without any loss of convenience or comfort on your part.
Interested in more water-saving tips? Call Simpson today to learn how you can make your home more sustainable.