How to Conserve Water in the Kitchen

Water conservation is a never-ending topic of discussion, precisely because so much continues to be wasted. So, rather than addressing the problem from a global perspective, we thought the “baby steps” approach might be more appropriate for this article.

First, a couple of facts just to properly set the stage. The average American family of 4 consumes up to 400 gallons of water a day. Which means that if, collectively, you could save just 10 gallons of those gallons per day (just 2.5%), you’d be conserving more than 3,600 gallons of water per year. 

Here are some simple measures you can employ to reduce water consumption in your kitchen while saving some money along the way.

1. Ditch the bottled water. Not only are many of the bottled waters sold today just filtered tap water, they are leaving a rather large (plastic) footprint on our environment. Install a water filter on your faucet, or better yet, keep a pitcher of water in your fridge. You’ll have a refreshing glass of cold water right when you need it, without wasting tap water while you wait for it turn cold.
2. Invest in a low-flow faucet. The average standard faucet uses about 5 gallons of water per minute. Efficient low-flow models generate just 1.5 gallons per minute, and yet without reducing the kind of water pressure you’ve grown accustomed to.
3. Steam, don’t boil. Whether you prefer green beans or corn on the cob, steam your veggies instead of boiling them. You’ll use less water, and lock in more nutrients. If you’re boiling pasta, potatoes or rice, set your steamer on top of the boiling pot of water for even more water savings. The earth, your wallet, and your health will thank you.
4. Wash fruit and vegetables in a bowl or sink filled with water instead of under running water. To remove pesticides and 98% of bacteria from conventional produce, mix 3 parts water to 1 part white vinegar and soak the veggies for 20 minutes. Then rinse with clean water, and enjoy.
5. Just as the built-in water dispenser in your fridge delivers crisp, cold water at the push of a lever, an instant hot water faucet installed right at your kitchen sink can deliver 200-degree water whenever you need it. You’ll no longer waste running water waiting for it to get hot enough for your intended purpose.

Contact Your 1 Plumber today for ideas and assistance on how you can start conserving water in your kitchen today. From low-flow faucets to under-sink water filters and more, we are up on all the latest green plumbing products and techniques.