Easy Water Saving Tips for the Family

When I was a kid water was treated as an unlimited resource.  We watered our lawn constantly and didn’t think twice about leaving the hose running when we were washing our cars in the front yard.  The water ran all through tooth brushing, we took big baths and had no big water bills to deal with.  Things have changed!

I do remember being in elementary school when I started to learn about water conservation.  But it wasn’t really practiced in the real world yet.  Not like today.  I know it is important, but like maybe I am like an old dog learning a trick.  Sometimes I just don’t remember.  My  daughter always reminds me.  She was born into a world that is more concerned about water and the environment than my day and these issues burn in her.  I bet by the time she and her generation have kids we will no longer have a need for conservation “tips”.  It will be second nature to everyone.  We will simply be “efficient”.

Today we still need tips, though, so here are some easy things you can do in your household that you may not have considered.  We all know to turn off the water when brushing teeth, washing, shaving, etc.  But what if there are leaks?

Did you know that a small drip from leaky pipes or faucets can add up to 20 gallons of wasted water per day?  Checking for leaks is easier than you might think.

One way to check for hidden water leaks is to read your meter.  Do not run any water for 2 hours then read your meter again.  If the number is not exactly the same, you have a leak somewhere.

You can check the efficiency of the toilet by dropping some food coloring in the tank.  Within thirty minutes if the food coloring is escaping to the bowl you have a leak.

In addition to eliminating leaks you can manage your water usage by installing low flow faucets and water saving shower heads.

Any big project is difficult to commit to because there is so much work and change involved to get the job done.  But we don’t have to get the job done TODAY.  A change in attitude today and one small change in habit tomorrow will move you speedily toward conservation goals.  In fact, here’s a tip I ran across the other day that is such a no brainer I can’t believe it never hit me.  I let the water run until it gets really cold for a drink of water.  If you are like me and like cold water to drink, keep a pitcher of water cooling in the fridge at all times.  Duh!  Take it a step further by making it a Brita water pitcher and you never have to buy another bottled water again!

What is your favorite water conserving tip?