25 Best Ways to Conserve Water
Less than 1% of the water supply on earth is fresh water.
Where does the rest of the water go?
Excellent question. 2% of the global water supply is trapped in icebergs; 97% is salt water; the remaining 1% makes up our fresh water supply. This 1% fresh water supply must cover our population’s daily use and consumption.
Fresh water must meet industrial, municipal, and agricultural needs.
In fact, up to 69% of our fresh water supply is consumed by the agricultural industry, compared to 21% for municipal use and 10% for industrial use.
Agricultural Industry
Municipal Use
Industrial Use
At the same time, population growth around the world is skyrocketing.
Greatly increasing the demand for fresh, potable water. The world population was estimated at 0.7 billion in 1750, 2.3 billion in 1950, and a projected 9.5 billion in 2050.
1750
1950
2050
These figures indicate that up to 5.3 billion people could suffer from global water shortages by 2025.
Water conservation is one of the best ways to save money and benefit our environment at the same time.
By paying attention to how and when you use water, you can cut down on unnecessary water waste. Water conservation is cost-effective, and it also helps to reduce our demand for water. Taking simple steps to restrict unnecessary water use and improve efficiency can keep supply levels stable in your local area and around the world.
A 40% increase in water demand is expected over the next two decades, related to
Growing Population
Growing Population
AND energy production needs
Water conservation is critical to support our future population
While we cannot control our static fresh water supply, we can control how much water we use on a daily basis. The United States is a major consumer and waster of water; in the US, the average person uses up to 152 gallons of water per day. Compare this to only 39 gallons used per day in the UK, 23 gallons per day in China, and 4 gallons per day in Ethiopia, and you will see that we have a serious problem on our hands.
US Residential Water Use
Yard
Toilet
Clothes Washers
Source: canwesavetheworld.com
Typical Office Water Use
Sanitary
Cooling/Heating
Irrigation
Source: epa.gov
If You Are Not Convinced Yet,
here are several important benefits of water conservation to consider
Water is essential to all life on this planet
Here are 10 important facts to remember about everyday water use
Federally mandated low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets were introduced in 1992.
Is It Worth The Hassle To Conserve Water
Though most of us have high hopes to benefit the environment, it is still perfectly normal to ask, “What’s in it for me?” As you explore the financial benefits of water conservation, you may be even more motivated to cut down on your household water waste.
Fresh water is a renewable resource, but the world’s clean water supply is dwindling faster than it can be replenished.
If all households in the US took steps toward water conservation,
by installing water-saving appliances and fixtures, it would save 40,000 gallons per household per year. This boils down to an estimated savings of 30% on annual water bills.
When this number is applied to all households in the US, it yields a total savings of 5.4 million gallons a day, or $11.3 million. Individual water conservation savings will vary by household
Upgrading to a low-flow showerhead
Upgrading to a low-flow showerhead could put money back in your bank account, after the initial investment. Older showerheads manufactured before 1992 expend an average of 5.5 gallons of water a minute; low-flow showerheads manufactured after 1992 expend less than half, or 2.5 gallons of water a minute. Over the course of a year, the average family of four could save an estimated 27,000 gallons, or $260.
If you want to save money and conserve water,
it’s time to face the facts
Here are the 10 most common water wasters UNDER YOUR ROOF
Letting the water run while you shave or brush your teeth.
Running the faucet until it turns cool or hot.
Running water in the sink to wash dishes instead of filling the sink basin.
Not replacing toilets manufactured before 1992 with newer, low-efficiency models.
Running a dishwasher or washer with a small load.
Ignoring or failing to check for household leaks in faucets, toilets, and bathtubs..
Taking long showers without a low-flow showerhead.
Using the garden hose to clean sidewalks instead of sweeping with a broom.
Watering the lawn on windy days, which greatly increases evaporation.
Watering midday, between noon and 8 PM, when evaporation rates are highest.
When it comes to water conservation, every drop makes a difference
You can also make a big “splash” by using water-conservation technology to upgrade certain features in your house. Specifically, you will get more bang for your buck by upgrading household appliances.
high-efficiency toilet
Toilets manufactured before 1992 consume up to 7 gallons per flush, compared to 1.6 gallons per flush in the latest high-efficiency toilet models.
Front-loading washing machine
Front-loading washing machines are more efficient and consume only 18 gallons per load on average.
high-efficiency dishwasher
A high-efficiency dishwasher upgrade that runs only when full can conserve an additional 1000 gallons of water per month.
WaterSense Labeled Irrigation Controllers
For home use, the EPA recommends water-efficient technologies to cut down on water wasted in outside irrigation. WaterSense Labeled Irrigation Controllers utilize local weather data to program a sprinkler system; soil moisture sensors connect to irrigation controllers to water only when soil is dry; rainfall shutoff devices deactivate a system in rainy weather to account for natural rainfall; rain sensors automatically turn off an irrigation system when it starts to rain; high-efficiency rotary sprinkler heads offer better delivery than mist sprinkler heads to prevent water loss and evaporation.
The Top 25 Ways
to Conserve Water at Home
Use appliances only when necessary
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when you have a full load.
Upgrade to a
front-loading washer
Compared to an efficient front-loader, a top-loading washer wastes up to 50 gallons of water per load.
Check your home from top to bottom for leaks
According to In.gov, “Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when water is not being used. If the dials are moving, or the meter does not have the same reading both times, there is a leak.
Repair visible leaks
The longer you ignore that dripping faucet, the more money you are going to spend on your water bill. Even a small drip can waste upwards of 50 gallons a day.
Check regularly for
toilet tank leaks
Add food coloring to the toilet tank on a monthly basis; if the toilet has a leak, color will appear in the bowl within 30 minutes.
Upgrade your showerheads
Inexpensive low-flow showerhead upgrades will dispense roughly 2.5 gallons of water a minute compared to older showerheads at 5 to 7 gallons of water per minute. Making this simple switch could save an estimated 800 gallons per month.
Upgrade all household faucets
Household faucets can be retrofitted with aerators to restrict flow and manage water waste.
Insulate hot water pipes
Insulation around primary hot water pipes will provide your family with hot water faster and cut down on waste as water heats up.
Flush the toilet
only when necessary
Don’t use the toilet as a trashcan to flush insects, tissue, and other waste.
Reduce shower time
When every family member commits to taking shorter showers by 1 to 2 minutes, you can conserve an estimated 700 gallons of water per month.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
This simple tip is something we normally teach our kids, but every member of the family can benefit from turning off the faucet to prevent water waste. Using water only to rinse can save an estimated 3 gallons a day.
Don’t rinse vegetables under running water
Save up to 200 gallons of water a month by rinsing produce in a filled pot or pan instead of under running water in the sink.
Defrost meat in the refrigerator overnight
Avoid thawing meat or frozen foods under running water in the sink; plan ahead to defrost in the refrigerator or use the microwave defrost setting instead.
Soak pots and pans before washing
Give cookware time to soak instead of letting the water run as you scrape and clean.
Reuse extra water before you pour it down the drain
Use extra water that has cooled from cooking or after rinsing dishes to water plants.
Reuse towels multiple times
Adopt this practice at home and when staying in hotels.
Do not use a water-to-air air conditioning system
Air-to-air air conditioners operate just as effectively and will not waste water while cooling.
Cover swimming pools and hot tubs to reduce evaporation
A covered pool makes it easier to keep clean and cuts down on the need for chemical treatment, while improving safety. An uncovered swimming pool could waste 1000 gallons of water a month in evaporation, at the minimum.
Check and adjust your sprinkler system regularly
Sprinklers should be properly positioned and programmed to water only the grass, instead of the sidewalk or house. Program sprinklers to water in the morning or evening to prevent unnecessary evaporation.
Wash your car the old-fashioned way
Instead of using a hose to spray and rinse or paying for a car wash, wash your car at home with elbow grease, soap, and water in a bucket.
Landscape strategically
Consult a landscaping company or research drought-resistant rain gardens and landscaping terrain for yourself; mulch can be used to decrease evaporation in your lawn.
Report broken pipes, leaky hydrants, and malfunctioning sprinklers
If you notice that a public or residential water fixture isn’t working properly, report it to the landlord or city as quickly as possible.
Don’t overwater the lawn
Even in the hot days of summer, your yard only needs to be watered every 5 to 7 days and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A good rain could save you from watering for up to two weeks.
Upkeep your garden
Regular pruning will help your plants to use water in the garden more efficiently.
Take advantage of the weather
Install rain barrels under gutter spouts to catch excess runoff after a storm; use rainwater to wash your car or water your garden.
What does the future hold for the world’s water supply?
Water consumption in the US increases year after year, and the effects are noticeable. Within the last five years, the EPA confirms that almost every region in the country reported water shortages. Around the world, water consumption has tripled within the past 50 years.
It’s more important than ever to take water conservation seriously, both globally and at a personal level.
Take heart in knowing that when you put these conservation tips into practice, you are making a difference. You are preserving our water supply and protecting your family’s future.
Sources:
- “Water Conservation for a Growing World.” rainbird.com.
- “Water Conservation.” sscwd.org.
- “Water Conservation Facts and Tips – National Geographic.” National Geographic.
- “How Much Water Is Your Home Wasting?” seametrics.com.
- “Indiana State Department of Health.” ISDH: Water Conservation Tips.
- “WATER CONSERVATION TIPS.” ripuc.ri.gov.