Energy Saving Uses of Water

I happened to stop behind a plumber’s truck the other day at a red light.  In bold swirly letters on the back doors of the truck were the words, “A good flush beats a full house.” I immediately thought of our brand new toilet that doesn’t flush well. Why? Because someone knew that water use in a toilet is one of the major uses of water in a common household and was thinking conservation.

Another major use of water in most households is one that I am  guilty of, a long hot shower.

  

So why should we care about water conservation? Because water is expensive, very expensive in some regions. Filling a swimming pool in Tennessee can cost $2000.  In addition to paying for our water each month, shortages of water can affect what we pay for food, especially in states where irrigation is necessary. This is a very real issue today in California, Arizona, Texas and in other states.  

So what can we do to help?

There are 4 major things that we can do to conserve water and a whole lot of other minor things as well. 

 

  • I have already cited the need for careful use of water in toilets and for showering. The newer smaller tanks of toilets and water conserving shower heads can help a lot. Try putting a plastic water-filled bottle in your older toilet tank.

  • Thirdly, we can check and repair leaky faucets. A faucet that drips one drip/minute wastes .3 gallons/day or 104.1 gallons/year. One drip/5 seconds wastes 3.6 gallons/day or 1,314 gallons in a year.

  • And fourthly, we can be smart about watering our lawns and flowers. Watering at night is best when the water is less likely to evaporate. Deep-soak watering is best and preventing run-off prevents waste. The EPA says that 50% of outdoor water use is wasted.

There is a longer list of minor conservation techniques that help too.

 

For instance:

  • Collect rain water. Let Mother Nature help.

  • Use plantings to prevent run-off.

  • Turn off the water while shaving or brushing.

  • Run the dish washer and clothes washer with full loads only.

  • Keep bottled drinking water in the refrigerator.

So, again, why should we care?  Because water is getting more expensive and our supply of good clean water is decreasing. Nothing lives without water. 

Consider other energy conservation ideas for your home as well.  Our StatGuardPlus thermostat cover is a wonderful way to control room temperature and prevent tampering or damage in an office or store.  Check us out at StatGuardPlus.com. - David F. Ask

David Ask