Water conservation is especially important during the sweltering months of summer when demand increases dramatically. Pools are maintained, lawns are watered, laundry increases and car washes abound. These activities put a strain on fresh water supply, increasing the importance of water conservation. This post shares simple, easy to follow tips that can help you do your part to protect one of our most valuable natural resources.
Schedule Your Car Wash
Always use a hose nozzle when washing your car. Simply letting a free-flowing hose run during the duration of car washing will waste hundreds of gallons of fresh water. Schedule your car washing after it rains and never the day before. While this might seem difficult, a quick glance at the weather channel can alert you if it is going to rain the next day. In addition, wash your car on the grass so the excess water is put to good use.
Recycle Rainwater
Take advantage of free water whenever it rains. Redirect gutter downspouts to water lawns and gardens. Place rain barrels under downspouts to collect roof runoff. Use it to water potted plants, trees and shrubs or even to wash your car.
Think Before You Water
Do not over-water your lawn. Lawns only require approximately one-inch of water every 5 to 7 days. Set irrigation timers to activate during the morning hours when temperatures are the lowest to reduce evaporation loss. When the forecast calls for rain, turn off your automatic sprinkler system. Inspect irrigation systems regularly. Leaks and broken sprinkler heads can waste precious water resources. Ask you plumbing professional about connecting to a reclaimed water source for lawn irrigation. Reclaimed water costs less and helps you conserve fresh water.
Switch to Showers
Don’t use your shower as a spa. A 5-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 25 gallons of water. Lather up, rinse off and get out. Turn off the water when shaving and brushing your teeth, whether you are in the shower or at the bathroom sink. Take a shower instead of a bath. Filling an average sized bathtub requires approximately 70 gallons of water. If you and your family members switch to showering instead of bathing, you can conserve a good deal of water.
Inspect Plumbing Fixtures
Routinely inspect plumbing fixtures, including faucets, toilets and pipes for leaks. Address any concerns promptly with your plumbing contractor. A simple test can help you identify a toilet tank leak. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If the toilet bowl water changes color, you have a problem.
For answers to your plumbing questions, contact The Pink Plumber today.
