On average the typical American household uses around 12,000 gallons of water each year. If we consider that only 3% of the world’s water is fresh usable water, it’s easy to see why water conservation is a global concern. California, in particular, has experienced more consecutive years of drought than ever before, which indicates a greater need for each household to make mindful considerations about their water usage.
What steps can I take to help conserve water at home?
Fortunately there are a few easy ways to start incorporating water saving habits into your home which can help to conserve water in your local area and contribute to a global collective effort.
Turn off the water when brushing your teeth
Brushing our teeth is a regular daily occurrence in all households, but so is running the tap and letting the water drain off whilst brushing. This practice is called habitual water waste. If we consider how many times a day that we brush our teeth, multiplied by the members of your household, that amount of water starts to add up. Try to get into the habit of turning off the tap whilst brushing to limit the amount of wasted water your household drains away each year.
Ditch the garden hose
A Garden hose is usually the best friend of every keen gardener, however they can use an excessive amount of water as it can be difficult to gauge just how much water you are using. By using a watering can, you can give your plants just the right amount of water, without wasting too much run off water. Also why not consider adding heavy mulch to your bedding plants to help trap the existing water and limit water evaporation.
Load up your laundry
Your washing machine can use anywhere up to 15 gallons of water each time that you run your machine. Why not try to run your machine only when you have a full load of washing and consider an eco washing setting which will not only save you water but also help to conserve energy. For extra energy saving boost, give your dryer a rest and try drying your clothes on a rack or outdoors on a washing line.
Switch to a water saving shower
More than a third of the water we use in our homes each day is used in the shower. Whilst showers do use less water than taking a bath, taking longer showers with conventional shower heads can be equally draining. By investing in a water efficient showers, like the Oasense showerhead, you can indulge in your shower, whilst being considerate of your water usage. The Oasense showerhead intuitively knows when you step away when showering and automatically switches to low flow mode which can save up to 50% water each time you shower.
Refrigerate your water
We all enjoy a refreshing glass of water on a hot day, but when we open the tap we typically run the water until its is cold which creates wasted water in the process. By keeping a jug of cold water in the refrigerator, you will have access to chilled water at all times and no need to waste any water.
Run a full dishwasher load
By choosing to run a full dishwasher load you will not only be saving water but also energy too. Our dishwashers are much more efficient than traditional hand washing and rinsing and reduce the amount of water we use to clean our plates and utensils. A standard Eco setting wash is energy efficient and effectively sanitizes your plates and saves you a tone of water at the same time.
Install a dual flush toilet
Dual flush toilets save water by giving you the option for a lower flow or stronger flow flush depending on your needs. A low flow flush typically saves up to half a gallon of water each time you use the toilet. This small change in the way that you choose to flush your toilet will greatly improve your households water impact and help to reduce your monthly water bill.
