Smart Ways to Save Water in Your Home

Have you considered the amount of water that you use at home on a daily basis?

11:16 28 April 2021

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American family uses about 300 gallons every day. From a global perspective, this figure is astronomical compared to developing countries, but is also sky-high in comparison to countries like Denmark or the United Kingdom.

 

The United States is a leader in smart home technology, so why are we lagging behind when it comes to smart ways to save water in our homes? Perhaps it is the mistaken assumption that clean water is a never-ending resource that simply comes on with the twist of a tap. With the rising costs of water and the increased emphasis on being more eco-friendly, it is more crucial than ever to find ways to conserve water in our homes.

 

Fix the Leaks

 

The Water Resource Foundation found that 12% of home water usage was simply due to leaks, which amounts to money and a precious resource literally going down the drain. A more crucial situation is that small leaks can lead to significant water damage in your home, so they are best attended to swiftly.

 

You can easily check for leaks if you have a water meter. Before you go out for the day, turn off all water sources in your home and read the meter. When you return, recheck the meter and see if the reading is the same. If not, then it is time to check for leaks and call a plumber.

 

Double Up

 

Take a tip from our friends across the Atlantic in the United Kingdom. Almost every sink will have a square plastic tub in it for washing dishes. The collected water can then be swiftly carried outdoors and used on the grass or plants. This is also an excellent way to ensure the cool water is used that comes through before the hot water arrives.

 

Check Your Appliances

 

It is astonishing to read the statistics when comparing the water usage of an older model dishwasher or washing machine to modern, efficient appliances. Think about this: washing clothes uses 17% of household water, and a modern washing machine uses approximately 33% less water than an old machine. You can significantly impact your annual household water usage by getting a new appliance. It’s worth doing the math and checking if this will make a big enough dent in your water bill to justify a new machine for cost alone.

 

Smarter Landscaping

 

Of the 300 gallons of water that the average American uses daily, 30% of this occurs outdoors. Changing how we landscape and how we irrigate can quickly add up to significant water savings. Planting flora that is drought-resistant and suited to your environment is a smart first step. Updating and amending how you irrigate will also lead to massive water savings. Weather-based irrigation can alter the output based on the daily weather conditions. Soaker hoses will not only limit the amount of water needed but will make irrigation more straightforward.

 

Consistent, minor amendments on how we use water can add up to significant economic and environmental impacts. These are just three ways in which your home can be more water-wise, so keep the discussion going with other members of your household about how you can continue to make smart improvements.