August 24, 2008

Save Water!

Most people I talk to assume we will always have access to plenty of good water. What if we don't? The following are a few ways to cut down on your water usage and start getting smaller water bills as well.

1. Make sure your faucets and toilets don't leak. According to NRDC, a leaky faucet can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. To check for toilet leaks, add food coloring to the tank. If there is a leak, the bowl will have color within 30 minutes.

2. Take shorter showers. A five-minute shower uses about 13 gallons of water. You can also turn the water off when you soap up or shave.

3. Install low-flow showerheads. This small change will save 2.5 gallons per minute.

4. Turn the water off while you scrub dishes, brush your teeth, shave, and wash your face. You will save five gallons of water per day.

5. Keep a pitcher or two in your bathroom. Fill them with the cold water that runs down the drain while you wait for the water to warm. Use the water for cooking, watering plants, filtered water pitchers, and animal bowls. You can also install a tank-less water heater which is hot immediately.

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