We learned in grade school geography class that roughly three-quarters of the Earth’s surface is water, but less than one percent is available for human use. A study by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that water managers in 40 out of 50 states anticipate water shortages in all or part of their states by the year 2024.
Do you really know how much water you use? Your water footprint may reveal some surprises. Save the environment and your wallet with these five home improvement projects and lifestyle modifications to reduce water usage in your household.
- Repair Leaks Promptly
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), leaky faucets and pipes in the average household can result in a staggering 9,400 gallons of wasted water in one year. That amount is equivalent to the water used for more than 300 loads of laundry.
Periodically inspect faucets and pipes for leaks and repair them immediately, no matter how small they may seem. A sudden spike in the water bill can also be a tip-off to hidden leaks. - Install a Low-Flush Toilet
When the government mandated low-flush toilets in 1992, the first models were inefficient and often resulted in more water usage than conventional toilets. Today’s low-flush toilets are greatly improved to the point that even dual-flush toilets use up to 60 percent less water.
If you don’t want to replace your toilet right now, place a water-filled plastic bottle inside the tank for a DIY solution. Avoid the traditional brick in the tank, which can break down and release sediment in the water. - Plant a Drought-Resistant Garden
Gardening is a great home improvement activity that many people also find relaxing. Unfortunately, you can’t always rely on Mother Nature to provide a sufficient amount of rainfall to keep plants healthy, so they must be manually watered. Fill your landscape with lavender, purple sage, cacti and other drought-resistant plants that require less moisture.
It’s estimated that nearly one-third of the country’s water supply is used on lawns. For an even greater impact, replace your grass lawn with a xeriscaped lawn that incorporates ground cover, succulents and wild plants that tolerate dry conditions. In addition to conserving water, you’ll reduce the impact of herbicides and other chemicals on the environment. - Add Aerators to Faucets
Installing faucet aerators is an easy and inexpensive home improvement fix with a big payoff. The screw-on devices mix air into water for a narrow flow formed by tiny droplets rather than an uninterrupted stream. While the faucet functions the same, this simple fix can save the average household about 700 gallons of water in a year. - Fill ‘Er Up
Be sure to run clothes washers and dishwashers on full loads only. Not only does this practice cut down on the total volume of water use, but these appliances also work more efficiently with full loads so clothes and dishes will be cleaner. One more tip: scrape large food particles into a disposal or composting bin, but it’s not necessary to rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher.
With a little planning, you can take a socially responsible approach to home improvement projects. Reducing your household’s water usage pays environmental and financial dividends for years to come.
