Does your toilet act more like a timer refilling every 10-15 minutes? Homes and families often waste more water they need to that impacts their budget and the valuable water resources of their area. Below we highlight the 5 most common ways water is wasted in a home so you can keep an eye and ear out and identify any problems.
- Leaky Faucets and Toilets
- A single drip per second from a leaky faucet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. Similarly, a running toilet can waste an incredible amount of water, often due to a faulty flapper or fill valve that doesn’t seal properly.
- Excessive Lawn Watering
- Over-watering lawns and gardens is a significant source of water waste. Many people water their lawns too frequently or for too long, and often at the wrong times of the day, such as in the heat of the afternoon when evaporation rates are high.
- Long Showers
- Taking long showers, especially with inefficient showerheads, can use a lot of water. The average shower uses about 2.1 gallons of water per minute, so reducing shower time can make a big difference.
- Running Water While Doing Chores
- Leaving the water running while washing dishes by hand, brushing teeth, or shaving can waste several gallons of water each time. Using a basin of water to rinse dishes or turning off the tap while brushing teeth can significantly reduce water usage.
- Using Older, Inefficient Appliances
- Older models of dishwashers and washing machines are not as water-efficient as newer models designed to use less water and energy. Upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances can help reduce water use dramatically.
Often times you can avoid these mistakes with a few simple questions, a change of habits, or a minimal investment. You should think of the water you waste and the money you waste to encourage you to take action. Your wallet and community will all benefit when you implement simple fixes to avoid wasting water.
