Although water is a necessity, more often than not, many use it wastefully. Consequently, the demand for more water strains freshwater resources such as rivers and aquifers. Worse still, the untreated wastewater goes back into the environment, increasing pollution. To avoid this, homeowners must look for ways to reduce water wastage.
Here are some water conservation tips for a healthier environment:
Plumbing leaks cause much water wastage and high bills over time.
Harvesting greywater
Lightly used water from the bathtub, shower, washing machine, and dishwasher is called “greywater.” Owners can harvest and reuse it since it doesn’t contain fecal matter.
Although setting up a greywater system would be an efficient way of collecting the water, a less costly alternative is draining into a bucket. Either way, it’s crucial to filter the water to remove debris and particles. If a homeowner intends to use greywater in the garden, it’s advisable to treat it to remove chemicals that might cause plants to dry.
Inspecting the plumbing system to catch cracks and leaks early
Plumbing leaks cause much water wastage and high bills over time. They may also go unnoticed unless homeowners are keen about leakage symptoms. Regular plumbing system check-ups and maintenance help to identify leaks and fix them in time to avoid water loss. Contact a trusted professional plumber to schedule routine maintenance and check for possible issues.
Setting a shower timer
An average person spends about 10 minutes in the shower and can use around 2.5 gallons per minute. To conserve water, homeowners can reduce time in the shower and turn the water off while scrubbing. Also, taking quick showers is an excellent alternative to having water-filled baths.
Creating mulch
Watering plants on bare soil leads to water wastage through evaporation and surface runoff. However, using mulching can fix this problem. Mulching involves adding a top layer on the soil to make it retain water for a longer period. The mulch, which can be leaves, wood chips, softwood bark, or stone, also allows more water to infiltrate the soil rather than run off.
Switching to appliances that use little water
Appliances such as low-flow toilets, high-efficiency washing machines, and dishwashers can prevent water loss. Although expensive, these household appliances use low water levels while providing the desired results. Installing items such as a faucet aerator, which uses air pressure to reduce the water running through a tap while maintaining the water pressure, is also an ideal alternative.
Educating people on the need to conserve water
One way to intensify water conservation efforts is to create awareness. Homeowners should educate their family members on the best water-saving practices applicable to their homes.
Save a few gallons daily
Excessive water consumption puts a heavy strain on the already limited freshwater available. However, water conservation comes down to a household’s daily activities. Even the smallest efforts, like the ones listed above, can contribute to sustainable lifestyles and impact the environment when integrated into everyday routines. Reach out to a local plumbing provider for extra water-saving tips and to schedule a system check-up.
Royalty Plumbing offers high-quality residential plumbing services in the areas of Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Summerlin.