10 Ways to Conserve Water for a Sustainable Living
Finding ways to conserve water will assure you a sustainable living while saving you money in energy and utility bills. And you can do your bit to save the planet.
Water is a precious resource. One that makes our planet unique, and more importantly, habitable. So whether or not you're facing water shortage, it is important to find ways to conserve water for a sustainable living. Plus, you'll also save money in energy and utility bills.
About 71 percent of the earth's surface is covered in water. So you might ask, "Why should we conserve water at all?" But of all that water, only 3 percent is freshwater and most of it is locked in ice and glaciers. And what is available for use, is not distributed equally all over the world.
Conserving water isn't hard. It's all about the little, everyday things. Here are a few tips to help you save more water at home
1. Turn off the tap when it's not in use
Keeping the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving, wastes about 4-5 gallons of water on average. That's roughly what a family in Africa uses in an entire day. Instead, you could plug the sink while shaving and turn the faucet off until it's time to wash.
2. Soak your dishes in warm water first
Soaking your dishes is more effective than scraping them in running water. You will save water and a whole lot of effort.
3. Run your dishwasher and laundry only when its full
Your dishwasher and washing machine can each use a whopping 10-15 gallons of water per cycle. For laundry machines, an older agitator model uses up to 40 gallons of water, and a front-loader uses about 7 gallons. So you will get better value for your money and save water by doing fewer, fuller loads.
4. Cut those long showers short
There's nothing like a long, hot shower to fire up your grey cells. Or a relaxed bath at the end of a hard day. We get it. But what if you could cut those extra minutes in the shower? Or fill your bath only halfway instead of full? That could help you save not just more water, but time and money from heater bills.
5. Use energy-efficient, water-saving devices
If long showers are your thing, you could install low-flow shower heads instead. They tend to have lesser water pressure and therefore, lesser water flow, while still offering a satisfying shower. You could also opt for Ultra-low flush (ULF) toilets. They use less water per flush but are just as effective.
6. Use a water softener to tackle hard water problems
Are you finding it hard to lather or wash off soap? Salt stains dotting your glassware and countertops even after you've cleaned them? These are signs of hard water. Meaning, you're probably using more water to clean everything.
To be sure, call your local Culligan water expert and get your water tested. Culligan water softeners are designed for your home's unique needs. So you can not only cut your bath time short, your skin and hair will be noticeably softer. Your laundry and dishes will feel fresher and your household appliances won't need as much maintenance as before.
7. Fix plumbing leaks
If you've done everything, but your water bills are still high, leaky plumbing could be the problem. Keep a close eye on your utility bills. And get your plumbing checked and fixed to reduce water wastage.
8. Go easy on your sprinklers and gardening hose
While watering the lawn, ensure your sprinkler system is effectively watering just your lawn. Not the driveway, sidewalk, or your house.
9. Use drip irrigation to water your plants
Garden hoses and sprinklers can overwater your plants. Much of this water could also be lost through evaporation and runoff. So if you have a small garden or few plants, try drip irrigation. That way, your plants will have enough water consistently.
10. Reuse water for landscape gardens
Instead of washing your fruits and vegetables in running water, rinse them in a bowl of water. This water is not ideal for drinking or personal use, but you can use it to water your plants. The EPA explains how to recycle and reuse water sustainably.
With small steps, we can make a big difference to ensure our planet stays healthy and habitable. Contact your local Culligan water expert for even more ways to save water.
