Water is a precious resource. Despite the planet being approximately 70% water, it’s estimated that less than 1% of it is available in liquid form for human consumption. While the water cycle ensures there is always water available, the simple fact is that humans are roughly 60% water. It's essential for moving nutrients into cells and waste out. In short, you can’t survive without it. As the population on the planet continues to grow it becomes more obvious that water is a scarce resource. The good news is that you can do your part by reducing your water usage at home. Here are 5 simple ways how you can use less water.
By Team Savant
1. Look For Leaks
The first step in reducing water usage at home is to make sure you don’t have any leaks. A leak can seem like a small thing but that steady drip isn’t just wasting water, it can also cost you a significant amount of money. You’d be surprised at how much water is wasted by a slow drip. Leaks can also cause wood to rot, potentially giving you much bigger issues in your home.
The simplest way to check for leaks is to turn all water appliances off in the house and check your meter reading. Don’t use any water for an hour and then check the meter again. If the reading has changed you have a leak that needs to be sorted. Of course, finding the leak can be much more difficult. This is especially true if your pipes are hidden in the walls. That’s why you’ll find it best to call a reputable plumber Sydney. They can locate the leak for you and take care of the issue.
2. Install Water Saving Devices
Your toilet uses as much as 1.5 gallons of water every time you flush. Unfortunately, not flushing is not generally a good option. But, you can install water-saving devices that reduce the amount of water the toilet uses.
You can also add aerators to your faucets. This reduces the flow of water but adds oxygen, allowing the pressure to seem the same. These devices are generally easy to install and can help you lower your water usage.
3. Collect Rainwater
This isn’t technically a way to use less water but it does reduce the amount of treated water you’re using. In short, you’ll be reducing your water bill and your environmental impact.
You will need a large water container and to direct the rainwater into the container. Attaching a pipe to the gutter is the most effective method. This water can then be used for watering the garden and washing the car. In fact, you can also use this water to flush your toilet. But, you’ll need to revise your plumbing slightly. You may want professional help with this.
4. Shorten Your Shower
Perhaps one of the simplest ways to reduce water usage is to shorten the length of your shower. The average eight-minute shower uses 17 gallons of water. Reduce your shower by 2 minutes and you’ll save roughly 4 gallons of water.
That’s a significant amount over the course of a year.
5. Turn It Off
Finally, you should turn off the water when you’re not using it. That means turning it off when brushing your teeth, while you’re soaping your hands, and any other times when it’s running and not being used.
This is the easiest thing to do and can potentially save you a huge amount of water.