Water is everywhere. It covers around three-quarters of the globe. It makes up around two-thirds of our bodies. If we lived near the ocean, we’d think there was an unlimited amount, as we looked towards the horizon.
The
fact is, though, that water is a limited resource. While
water
filters and
minor treatment in the home can help keep our water clean and potable, steps to
conserve water now can help prepare for the future.
Conservation
achieves three
main goals:
it lessens the likelihood of contamination, saves money and helps your
community plan for future resource use and growth.
Here are 12 ways you can help conserve water.
# 1. Wash dishes by hand.
The
key to washing dishes is to do it efficiently. Don’t run the water the entire
time while handwashing. Handwashing can use up to 27
gallons
if you leave the water running. Fill a sink with warm water, soak the dishes,
wash them and then turn the water on for rinsing.
# 2. Use the dishwasher efficiently.
Dishwashers
can save up to 5,000 gallons of water per year. Energy Star machines use up to
41% less energy as well. Make sure the dishwasher is fully loaded, top and bottom. Use the correct settings. Try to avoid
using a detergent containing phosphates, which can deprive rivers of oxygen.
# 3. Use less water in cooking.
Most
recipes call for much more water than needed. For example, stirring pasta keeps
it from clumping, so it uses less water. Frozen
vegetables do not need to be dunked and
drained; you can get superior results by putting them in the pot and adding a
bit of water for each person—maybe a quarter cup each, up to a full cup.
# 4. Reuse water when you can.
Much
of the water you use can be reused for
another purpose. A shower bucket can capture your shower water. Use it in the
flush tank of the toilet. Instead of draining the pasta water down the drain,
use a large pasta spoon. And if you do drain the pasta, use the water as the
soaking water for the dishes.
# 5. Attend to the leaks.
It’s
important to know about the leaks in your water system. Once you know, you can
make decisions. Leaky faucets can be annoying. But even if it’s dripping five times a minute, it’s wasting only 173 gallons of water per year—which is
a waste but is arguably not worth a
plumber’s visit (which will cost money).
If
you can’t fix the drip yourself, reuse that water. A bowl can capture enough
water for the plants, or even the pet’s water bowl.
# 6. Turn it off.
When the
water flow doesn’t need to be on, turn it off. While you are brushing your teeth or shaving, the water doesn’t need to be running.
While you’re soaping your hands, turn off the faucet until you’re ready to
rinse.
# 7. Keep it clean and efficient.
Keep
your showers short and
efficient.
If you can stop the water while soaping up,
excellent. If you install efficient shower heads, great. If the hot
water takes a while to get to the shower head, capture the water for something
else.
# 8. Plants need water, too.
If
you have a plot of land, think about how you will water it. Grass uses a
disproportionate amount of water. Think about other plantings and garden ideas
instead that don’t require as much moisture.
# 9. Flush it away.
Older toilets use more water. And, especially for renters, you
may not have a landlord willing to replace all toilets wholesale. Think about setting
your tank to use less water for each flush by installing an inexpensive
water-saving mechanism.
# 10. Use less when washing the car and the dog.
When washing the car—if permitted by city code—use a bucket of soapy water (good, environmentally safe soap, of course). Only use the hose to rinse the car off. If you’re giving the dog a bath, do it on the lawn/garden, so some of the water will help with the plantings.
# 11. Consider greywater.
Some
cities may allow you to use greywater—which
is all water going down the drain except sewage in the toilet. Greywater kept separate from sewage, can be
used for toilets
and gardening.
# 12. Be intentional.
Make these steps habits. Be aware of your water use. Observe what you do, and make the changes intentionally and mindfully. Once you’re doing them, you will not notice the change in your way of life.
