If you’re concerned about living a more sustainable, eco-friendly life, you might be looking for ways to conserve water in your daily routine. The good news is that there are small changes you can make each day to make a difference.
Being more environmentally conscious doesn’t necessarily require large lifestyle changes. Especially when it comes to effective water-saving techniques, there are plenty of tips to conserve water around the home that are simple to implement. Below, we’ll walk you through some tips to save water both indoors and out.
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How To Conserve Water Indoors
Indoor water conservation methods focus on the areas of the home where we use the most water — including the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room. Reducing water waste in these key areas is not only good for the environment but could also lead to savings on your water bill at the end of the month.
As discussed above, making small changes in your routine adds up to significant conservation over time. So, we’re focusing on ways to preserve water that are practical and easy to adopt.
Fix Leaks And Dripping Faucets
One of the easiest ways to reduce water usage is to fix leaks and dripping faucets in your bathroom and kitchen sinks. This quick fix can save gallons of water each day, helping you prevent unnecessary water waste.
Fixing a leaky faucet can be done in under an hour with minimal tools. The issue is commonly caused by a faulty faucet stem under the handle, which regulates water flow. Refer to the faucet manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you find the right replacement stem.
Run Full Loads In Dishwashers And Washing Machines
Another way to save water at home is to only run full loads in your dishwasher and washing machines. This is a simple practice that doesn’t require extra effort or tools. You’ll maximize the efficiency of each load, saving both water and energy.
Turn Off The Tap While Brushing Teeth
One water-wasting habit you might need to break is leaving the faucet on while brushing your teeth. Instead, turn off the tap while you brush to conserve water. According to estimates from the EPA, this simple practice can save up to eight gallons of water each day!
Upgrade To Water-Efficient Appliances
When you’re ready to upgrade your current appliances, consider switching to water-efficient models. Many dishwashers, washing machines, and toilets available today include water-saving features to reduce usage without compromising performance. Look for appliances with the WaterSense label, which is recognized as a water-efficient product in partnership with the EPA.
Install Low-Flow Showerheads And Faucets
Low-flow showerheads and faucets are specially designed to use less water than standard designs while still maintaining good pressure. The EPA mentions that the average family could save 2,700 gallons of water each year by making this switch.
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How To Preserve Water Outdoors
There are also methods to conserve water that you can use outdoors. Many of the following tips focus on sustainable yard designs, like drought-tolerant landscaping and efficient irrigation, to avoid wasting water. These methods help conserve water while still maintaining a healthy and flourishing outdoor environment.
Install A Smart Sprinkler System
Smart sprinkler systems, like the Rachio 3, optimize watering schedules based on current weather conditions and soil moisture to reduce water waste. Implementing these tools offers a win-win of making lawn care more convenient while offering the potential for significant water savings.
Water Your Lawn During Cooler Hours
Watering lawns early in the morning or evening outside of peak sunlight is an ideal water conservation practice. This reduces the chance of evaporation, improving the efficiency of the watering session.
In general, grass lawns require about 1 to 1 ½ inches of water a week, which equates to one or one and a half hours of watering. You can split this up into two or three sessions of 20 to 30 minutes each for optimal lawn health.
Plant Native And Drought-Resistant Vegetation
Drought-resistant landscaping with native plants requires less water and thrives in local climates. This approach not only conserves water but also enhances the natural beauty of your outdoor space.
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Collect Rainwater For Outdoor Use
It’s also wise to collect rainwater in barrels or other containers for your garden or outdoor cleaning chores. Place the barrel under the downspouts of gutters or eaves of the home to maximize collection, which you can then use to fill watering cans or cleaning buckets. Dedicated rain barrels often have mesh screens or other filtering systems to remove debris and keep the water clean from insects and pests.
Use Mulch To Retain Soil Moisture
Adding mulch to gardens or flower beds helps the soil retain moisture. This simple task can reduce evaporation and keep roots cooler, requiring less frequent watering and lower usage overall. Lightly layer mulch around the base of trees, shrubs, and plants for the desired effect.
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General Water Saving Tips
Aside from these specific water conservation methods, there are some general things you can do to minimize water waste all around your property. Adopting these simple habits can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle:
- Monitor water bills for irregularities that might indicate a leak and track your usage over time.
- Educate others in your house on the importance of water conservation and what you’re doing to prevent waste.
- Hire a professional to audit your home’s water system and help you identify areas for potential water savings.
Get Accurate Local Rain Readings With The Tempest Weather System
A big part of at-home water conservation is monitoring local weather conditions and adapting your water usage accordingly. Taking advantage of the natural water cycle, like during particularly rainy periods, allows you to cut back on water consumption in certain areas.
Advanced tools like the Tempest Home Weather System offer precise readings for your home’s location, providing real-time data, detailed forecasts, and custom notifications and alerts to drive all your weather-related decisions.
Shop the Tempest Home Weather System today for accurate local data readings like rain onset, intensity, duration, accumulation, and more. Also, explore how the Rachio 3 smart sprinkler controller can help you conserve water while watering your lawn.