In drier climates like Yuma, AZ, conserving water is very important. The average household uses roughly 100 gallons of water per person per day, which can get very expensive in places where water is at a premium. If you are not actively conserving water, you may be paying much more than necessary on your water bill. Fortunately, small changes in conserving water can add up fast. Here are seven simple solutions PHD Plumbing recommends to conserve more water.
1. Minimize Running Faucets
One bad habit regarding water that many people have is letting the water run continuously from the faucet while they are washing their face, brushing their teeth, or shaving. Filling up a rinse cup or stopping up the sink so the running water doesn’t drain out can save thousands of gallons of water per year.
2. Keep a Cold Water Pitcher in Fridge
Cold water is very refreshing on a warm day, but running water in the sink while waiting for tap water to cool off can waste a lot of water. Having a pitcher of cold water available in the fridge for drinking eliminates this waste, saving you money over time.
3. Choose Water-Efficient Replacements
Replacing old fixtures and appliances with water-efficient replacements will significantly reduce the amount of water these household items use. Products that are marked with WaterSense and Energy Star seals use roughly 33% less water and 25% less energy than similar products without the seals.
4. Collect Rain for Yard and Garden Use
In the state of Arizona, residents can collect rainwater on their property for personal use. A large water-tight container can be used to collect rooftop runoff from your home’s downspout to be used to hydrate your lawn or garden.
5. Reduce Shower Time
Long, hot showers are relaxing, but they waste a lot of water. Every minute you reduce your average showering time saves approximately 1,000 gallons of water over the course of a year. It also saves money on gas and electricity as it limits the amount of hot water used.
6. Use Faucet Aerators
A faucet aerator limits the amount of water that flows through your faucets by adding air to the water stream, compacting the flowing water and upping the water pressure. At the cost of around $10 each, faucet aerators are a small expense that results in big savings.
7. Run Full Loads in Dishwashers and Washing Machines
Running full loads in your dishwasher and washing machine makes the most out of the water being used for each load. Running full loads also reduces the number of times you will need to use the machines, reducing water usage further.
Making small changes to your daily life can reduce your water use by a considerable amount. The tips mentioned above are some of the easiest to implement while causing minimal disruption to your regular routine. To learn more about water-saving solutions, contact us today at (928) 597-1680.