Tips to Conserve Water
Water is a vital part of all living things. Yet we are using the earth’s fresh water much faster than it is naturally replenished. Here in the United States, we use three times as much safe drinking water than is used in Europe. As a nation, we understand there is a problem and we’re taking action. More than one-third of all states, representing 60% of the population of the United States, have adopted water conservation standards. With the ecoplumbers’ products and services, you can conserve water, save money and go Green and beyond!
In the Bathroom:
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- Replace your water-guzzling 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush toilet with a low flush 1.2—1.6 gallons per flush toilet. The best flushing low flush toilets today have a 3″ flush valve. This is very important if you want the absolute best flushing toilet for your money. What this means is the device in the toilet tank that opens when you flush the toilet has a 3″ opening rather than the standard 2″—2.25″ opening. This allows a lot more water to exit the tank faster thus creating a better flush in the bowl.
- If you’re taking a shower, don’t waste cold water while waiting for hot water to reach the shower head. Catch that water in a container to use on your outside plants or to flush your toilet. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.
- Check toilet for leaks. Put dye tablets or food coloring into the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak that should be repaired. Saves 400 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Saves 3 gallons each day.
- Turn off the water while shaving. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor. Saves 3 gallons each day.
In the Kitchen:
- If you wash dishes by hand—and that’s the best way—don’t leave the water running for rinsing. If you have two sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you only have one sink, use a spray device or short blasts instead of letting the water run. Saves 200 to 500 gallons a month.
- When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible. This minimizes rinse water needed. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
- Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. This beats the wasteful habit of running tap water to cool it for drinking. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.
- Don’t defrost frozen foods with running water. Either plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
- Don’t let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan. Saves 150 to 250 gallons a month.
- Use the garbage disposal less and the garbage more (even better—compost!). Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
Additional Tips:
- Take showers instead of baths; a bath uses nearly 50 gallons of water.
- Plant drought-tolerant native plants in your garden. Many plants need minimal watering. Find out which occur naturally in your area.
- Don’t let the water run when brushing your teeth or shaving; turn on the water briefly when rinsing.
- When purchasing a new washer, look for one that conserves water and energy and has a suds saver attachment.
- Shut off all water valves and turn your hot water tank temperature down to the “vacation” setting before you leave the house for an extended period of time.