There are dozens of ways to conserve water and save money around the home. As a starting point, seven of the easiest ways to reduce water use at home are listed below. These should be part of your everydayroutine, not just precautionary measures in times of drought.
An effective water-saving showerhead should have a flow rate of 3 gallons or less a minute. The standard showerhead uses 5 to 10 gallons a minute. Therefore, a showerhead using only 2 gallons a minute can save as much as 75 gallons of water during a normal 10-minute shower.To determine whether a low-flow showerhead needs to be installed, check the flow rate of the current showerhead by using the water meter or by putting a gallon container under the showerhead while the water is on and measuring the time it takes to fill the container at the usual shower setting. If it fills in less than 20 seconds, the flow is greater than 3 gallons per minute. Low-flow showerheads can be purchased at most department, hardware and plumbing stores. There a re inexpensive showerheads available at home improvement and hardware stores. A showerhead can usually be installed in 10 minutes. Instruction on how to do this can be found in DIY web sites and books, from the customer service representative in hardware and plumbing supply stores, and home improvement centers.
Three types of displacement devices can be used in toilets, but they should not be used in newer, low-water use toilets which use less than 3 gallons per flush.To determine the capacity of the toilet tank, either turn off the water supply valve to the toilet (usually located on the pipe behind the toilet) or hold the float ball up so that the tank does not refill, and flush the toilet. Measure the capacity of the tank by filling it to the normal level with a gallon container (or one of known capacity).Toilet dams can be installed in toilet tanks to reduce the amount of water used, typically saving up to 2 gallons per flush. Toilet dams are available from many utilities or from most plumbing supply stores.
A plastic bottle filled with water and weighted down with a few stones can accomplish the same purpose as dams. It is important to place the bottle in the toilet tank where it will not interfere with the flushing mechanism. A plastic bottle in the tank will save up to 1 gallon per flush. A toilet bag which is available free of charge from many utilities, can also be used in place of dams. A displacement bag in the tank will save up to 1 gallon per flush. Bricks should not be used in the tank because small pieces can break off and permanently damage the plumbing system.
The standard faucet flow rate is 5 gallons a minute. A low-flow aerator can reduce this flow to approximately 2 gallons a minute while still providing adequate water for washing and rinsing. Installing aerators on the kitchen sink and lavatory faucets will save hot water and cut water use by as much as 60 gallons a month for a typical family of four. Most aerators have either internal or external threads. Before purchasing aerators, the location of the threads and the diameter of each spout should be determined. If the faucet already has a standard aerator (not a low-flow type), it can be removed and taken to the store to ensure that the correct low-flow size is purchased. Aerators are available for less than a dollar from most stores that sell plumbing fixtures. If the kitchen has a portable dishwasher that must be connected to the faucet, do not install a low-flow aerator because the reduced flow may affect the performance of the dishwasher and result in dishes that are not properly cleaned.
The washing machine and dishwasher should only be used when fully loaded. This practice can save at least two loads or approximately 60 gallons each week.
Changing tooth brushing habits can save as much as 14 gallons of water a day. Instead of allowing the tap water to run while brushing, use a cup, and run the tap just to rinse the toothbrush.The same method can be used to conserve additional water when shaving, washing hands or taking a shower. Use a pan when washing vegetables or rinsing dishes in the kitchen instead of running water constantly.
According to water utilities, leaks can easily account for 10 percent of a water bill and waste both water and energy if the source is a hot water tap.
Toilet Leaks. When a toilet leaks, water escapes from the tank into the bowl. Toilets are notorious for hidden or silent leaks, because leaks are seldom noticed unless the toilet "runs" after each flush (which can waste 4 to 5 gallons a minute). To determine if the toilet is leaking, look first at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped filling. If water is still running into the bowl or if water can be heard running, the toilet is leaking. Often the toilet may have a "silent leak." To test for a silent leak, mix a few drops of food coloring or place a dye capsule or tablet (available from many utilities and hardware stores) into the water in the toilet tank after the water has stopped filling and the tank is full. Do Not flush the toilet. Wait for about 10 minutes, and if the dye or food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, the toilet has a silent leak.
Leaks of this type usually are caused by a defective flush valve (flapper) ball or a corroded or scaled valve seat. Replacement balls and valves, which can be installed in less than 30 minutes, are available from most hardware and plumbing stores.
Faucet Leaks. Faucet leaks are obvious. However, periodically check seldom used taps in the basement or outside the house. The cause of faucet leaks is frequently a worn washer that can be replaced with two or three hand tools. Replacement washers can be purchased from most hardware and variety stores and cost only a few cents.
Plant native vegetation. Once established, which usually takes two years, these plants require less frequent watering. Water grass only when needed. If grass springs up after being walked on, it does not need watering. Soak grass long enough for water to reach the roots. Water slowly and deeply.Water during the cool, early morning hours to minimize water loss by evaporation and discourage disease. Do not water on windy days. Use sprinklers that produce droplets instead of mist and that have a low trajectory. This type of sprinkler will lose less water by evaporation and be less affected by the wind. Use drip irrigation systems for shrubs, flowerbeds and other frequently watered areas. During the summer, keep the grass about 2 to 3 inches high. This height shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than does a closely clipped lawn. Do not water streets and sidewalks. Adjust the hose or sprinkler until it waters just the grass or
shrubs. For flowerbeds, shrubs and trees, use drip or soaker systems.
Water Conservation at Home
