Most people in this economy are looking for ways to stretch a buck. Even in a good economy, many people are looking to make their dollar stretch as far as possible. One place to start is with the water bill. Here are a few simple ideas to help reduce your water usage, therefore lowering the amount that comes due each month!
Use a Faucet Aerator
Aerators reduce water usage by pushing air through your faucet without compromising the flow. Look on the side of your spigot to see if an aerator is already installed on your sink. Even if you may already have one, it needs to be flow-rated below 2.75 gpm (gallons per minute). Most faucets are equipped for aerator installation. Faucet aerators can be purchased at any hardware store for $2-$3.
Purchase a Low-Flow Showerhead
Low-flow showerheads are another glorious money and water-saving invention. To tell if you are in need of a low-flow showerhead, place a medium size pot under the stream of water. Turn the shower on full-bore and count how long it takes for the pot to fill. If it fills in 15 seconds or less, you need a low-flow head. They range in price from $25-$250; 2.5 gpm is recommended.
Take Shorter Showers
Try to limit your shower time to four minutes or less (it’s hard!) Yes, FOUR minutes! According to one study, with a low-flow showerhead you will use only 12.5 gallons of water for a five minute shower vs. 37.5 gallons for a 15 minute shower. Set an egg timer for each family member and keep each other accountable. Also limit the number of baths taken in your household. Even young children can be showered with a parents’ help.
Use the Dishwasher
It seems strange, but if you use the dishwasher, it can actually save more water than hand-washing if you fill the dishwasher full before running it, don’t rinse your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, and open your door before the dry cycle has time to run its course. Many dishwashers that are less than ten years old are extremely energy efficient, heating the water in the dishwasher so heat isn’t “lost in transit” from the water heater, as it is when you hand-wash. Hand-washing apparently only saves water if you have very few dishes and wash them all in a sink less than one quarter full of water with a little soap and rinse them sparingly.
Turn Off the Water
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving in the shower or tub. Encourage your children to run a small amount of water into a stopped sink to wash their hands. It is hard to remember at first, but it is amazing how many gallons of water are wasted when people allow the water to run constantly during these small tasks that are done several times a day.
Check for Leaks
Faucet leaks, various pipe leaks and toilet leaks are a major cause of water waste. To check for a leak in your toilet, do the following: make sure your toilet is clean and then lift off the top of the tank and add a few drops of food coloring to the tank water. Wait 15 minutes, and check if your toilet bowl water is colored (keep everyone from using the toilet for those 15 minutes). If colored, you probably have a leaky toilet flapper, which can easily be replaced.
In addition, stop flushing kleenex, baby wipes or anything else besides toilet paper. Not only is it bad for the septic system, it also promotes unnecessary flushing. It is estimated that a family of four uses 100 gallons of water per day flushing the toilet.
Find Double Duty Uses for Water
Use a pan underneath a strainer when washing up your fruits & vegetables. Then use that same water to give your plants & flowers a drink. Or try using leftover boiling water to pour over your weeds. It should shrivel them up so you can easily pick them later.
Advantages of a Front-Loading Washing Machine
Now, this might cost more to begin with, but if you are in the market for a new washing machine anyway, then you have nothing to lose! According to an online article by The Free Library, front-load washers use an average of 18.3 gallons of water per load compared to 33 gallons for top loaders. And if you wait until your clothes are actually dirty to wash them, then you save even more. Interesting fact: the permanent press cycle uses 1/3 more water than the normal cycle.
With only a few little changes, you should be seeing a reduction in your water bill in no time!
