For homeowners aiming to reduce their environmental footprint and potentially lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is crucial. Here are eight practical tips from Five Star Dayton Plumbing to help you save water this summer without compromising the aesthetics of your lawn and garden or your comfort at home.
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
It’s important to wash your fresh produce before consuming. But rather than running tap water over each fruit or vegetable, fill a bowl with water and rinse your produce there. This method conserves water and can be reused to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand
Did you know that washing your dishes by hand can result in an average water consumption of up to 20 gallons? Dishwashers, particularly modern, energy-efficient models, can use less water than washing the same load by hand. Most energy-efficient dishwasher models use approximately 4 gallons of water. However, if it is necessary to wash some items by hand, just avoid leaving the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can conserve water during meal preparation. Instead of using running water to thaw frozen foods, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. This approach not only saves water but also ensures the safe thawing of your foods.
Doing Laundry with the Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Operating your washing machine exclusively when it is fully loaded optimizes its efficiency, thereby conserving both water and energy. This method reduces the frequency of washes, ultimately saving significant amounts of water.
- Avoid the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent press cycle uses an extra rinse to protect clothing, resulting in increased water usage. Therefore, unless it is essential to preserve the quality of your garments, it is advisable to avoid this setting.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden during the heat of the day can result in significant water loss due to evaporation. To ensure the water reaches the roots where it is most needed, consider watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. This practice provides your plants with a better opportunity to absorb the moisture effectively.
Keeping Your Pool Covered When It’s Not in Use
If you own a pool, covering it when not in use can significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation. Additionally, a pool cover helps maintain cleanliness and decreases the need for chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch Heavily on Your Garden Beds
Mulching garden beds serves not only as an effective weed control measure but also as an excellent method for retaining soil moisture. Applying a substantial layer of mulch reduces the soil’s exposure to sunlight, thereby maintaining cooler soil temperatures and minimizing evaporation. Consequently, this leads to less frequent watering requirements and promotes a healthier, more robust garden.
Fixing Leaky Fixtures Right Away
A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to regularly inspect your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and repair them promptly to prevent leaks and unnecessary water consumption.
Implementing these measures can significantly reduce your water consumption this summer. Remember, conserving water is not only crucial for the environment but also beneficial for your finances. By adopting these practices, you can maintain a green garden and a comfortable home while contributing to the conservation of a vital resource.
Call Five Star Dayton Plumbing today at (937) 230-6506, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
