Even in places where water seems abundant, the discussion on water conservation is becoming quite pressing. Environmental issues are constantly at the forefront of public concerns, and citizens are encouraged to do their part to contribute to sustainability, even if it’s only in small ways. Water is crucial for man’s survival, so that fact alone should encourage homeowners to be more conscious about how and how much they use water at home.
In addition to contributing to an environmental cause, water conservation helps you save on your utility bills. Surely, every homeowner desires to achieve that. With rising expenses, any opportunity to save is, indeed, a welcome change.
Change begins at home. There are many ways that water conversation and sustainability can be practiced right in your abode. This post runs you through a few tips not just to keep the pipes and the entire plumbing system in check but also to be the master of water conservation at home.
1. Install A Water Tank
If you don’t have one yet, you’re missing out on the numerous benefits and cost savings a water tank brings. It’s a significant investment to start with, but in the long run, you’ll understand what big of a difference it makes.
The best part? There are so many tank choices to get by, so you’ll undoubtedly find one that fits your budget and preferences. Each has its excellent features, some going as far as purifying collected rainwater to make it potable.
You don’t have to choose the most expensive one out there. What matters most is you have the size you need and ensure the quality can last for many years.
2. Turn Off The Water When Not In Use
Sure, this goes without saying, but when it comes to bathroom use, this is easily a tip that’s always brushed aside or forgotten in exchange for convenience. For instance, dentists recommend a two-minute duration for brushing teeth. So, that could mean two minutes leaving the water flowing, even when not in use. That’s a lot of wasted water.
It takes a bit of getting used to, but eventually, being mindful of your water consumption soon becomes second nature. When this is a habit you strictly follow at home, you’ll quickly notice a drop in your water bill. This also translates to less water usage, making yours a sustainable home.
3. Switch To Showers
If you’re used to taking baths, take this as your nudge to switch to showers. And not just any shower, but short ones at that. The ideal length of time? Five minutes or less.
Baths use more water as, after filling the tub, there’s no other destination for that ‘dirty’ water but down the drain. Showers turn out to be a more economical choice instead. You can better control water usage by switching off the shower when you’re not rinsing.
4. Think Of Other Uses Of Water, Before Draining
Water conservation at home doesn’t necessarily mean completely depriving yourself of things that make you happy, like if you enjoy taking your baths. You can, however, reduce the frequency of those baths, perhaps saving them only for weekly rest and resetting after a long hard day at work.
You can also feel less guilty about your baths if you can use the water again before draining them out. For example, you can use a pail to gather the water to wash the car, your deck, or patio, and even water the plants.
5. Keep The Sprinklers Away!
Those with big and sprawling gardens can benefit from and legitimize their use of water sprinklers. Those with smaller ones, however, can opt for other more efficient methods, even if it means watering with the old-school water can.
This fifth suggestion goes alongside the fourth one above. If there’s any other use for water, like watering the plants, use it that way instead of draining it out. For instance, you’ve just gone to the market and washed your fruits and vegetables. Instead of washing on running water, use a basin. The collected water can then be used to water plants instead of a hose or sprinkler. Not only does this promote water conservation, but your plants will be happier and healthier, too, with the extra nutrients they’re now getting.
Final Thoughts
Next to air, water is one of the most essential resources needed for man’s survival. Unlike air, however, water isn’t infinite. In fact, it’s more finite than you imagine it to be, one that’s eventually slated to run out of if the human population grows exponentially while carrying on with irresponsible and wasteful water consumption.
Water conservation at home goes a long way in alleviating the likelihood of those impending shortages. Set this example in your home, and, like a domino effect, others who see you doing it may follow suit, too.
