How to Reduce Your Water Bill

The U.S. has the highest per capita water use on the planet.  And yet, we’re far behind other countries – especially Australia and most European nations – in energy and water conservation.

If, for example, you haven’t already heard of rain water and grey water capture systems, it’s just a matter of time before they become commonplace in our country, too.  Even without them, however, there are still numerous ways you can reduce your family’s water consumption without sacrificing a thing:

• Tend to leaky faucets and pipes as soon as you notice them.  A leaky faucet alone can waste up to 100 gallons of water every week.

• Replace your old shower heads and faucets with new, water saving fixtures.  Or, if you’re not ready to do so, add aerators to existing fixtures.

• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.

• Fill the basin for washing or shaving, and then turn the faucet off until it’s time to rinse.

• Wash fruits and vegetables in a bowl, and fill you sink to wash and rinse dishes, instead of running the water.

• Place a bucket in the shower to capture the water otherwise wasted while you wait for it heat up.  Then use that water for your plants or some other practical purpose.

• Re-use pasta cooking water.  Once the water cools, you have another way to nourish your plants.

• Look for Watersense labeled toilets and other products.

• Use a car wash only if they recycle their water.

• Wait until you have a full load before washing clothes, but if that’s not an option, readjust the load-size control.

Dual-Flush Toilets.    

If it’s time to replace an aging toilet, you’re in for a big surprise, you’ll want to consider a dual-flush model that features two flushing modes:  half flush for liquid waste, and full flush for solid waste. 

A family of four can reduce toilet water consumption by 2,400 gallons per year – a savings of 17% compared to the older toilet you’re using now.  To learn more or request installation of a low-water consumption toilet, contact Your 1 Plumber today or anytime at all.