Water Saving Tips for Summer

Water Saving Tips For Summer

The average American uses 50 to 175 gallons of water daily, topping any other country in the world. It takes 5 litres of water to make 1 litre of bottled water.

How much water is needed to grow a hamburger? About 1,300 gallons! As communities run out of municipal water supplies, it becomes much more expensive for this precious resource. Whether you believe that we’re having a water shortage or not (that debate rages on), water is certainly costing us more as time goes on. Here are some tips to help you save money by conserving and using water wisely:

Install rainbarrels to catch rainfall whenever possible. This may be illegal in your state (Colorado forbids rain barrels!)
Use greywater systems for used water from washing machine, sinks, showers, etc.
Plant drought tolerant lawn grass (Tall fescue, bahia grass, Bermuda grass, Buffalo grass, Seashore Paspalum, Zoysiagrass) shrubs, and trees.
Xeriscape part or all of your landscape.
Mulch around trees and plants.
Only use dishwasher and washing machines when you have a full load.
Don’t allow the water to run while you’re: doing dishes, brushing you teeth, rinsing vegetables, etc. Once this becomes a habit, it’s a no-brainer after that!
When you water the lawn, make sure to soak it well, and water in early morning or evening hours. Make sure you’re watering the lawn…and not the sidewalk or gutter.
Fix broken sprinklers and hoses.
Instead of washing down walkways and driveways, use a broom (or wind blower) instead.
Check all faucets (outdoors too!) for any leaks.
Install a water saving showerhead and faucets (aerators).
Use drip irrigation for watering plants, shrubs, and trees.
Install a tank bank (about $5) for your toilet to save water (will save .8 gallons-per-flush).
Filter tapwater yourself, rather than buying bottled water. After all, bottled water IS filtered the same way…but costs a whole lot more.