No matter where you live, everyone uses water. Even though it might not seem like it, water is a finite resource, and it is your responsibility to try and conserve it. Just a few small changes in our daily habits can help save tens if not hundreds of gallons of water each day. Here are a few simple and easy changes that everyone can make to help conserve water usage this summer:
Fix Leaks: Another important thing you can do to save water is fix leaky shower heads and running toilets. According to EPA.gov, more than 1 trillion gallons of water are wasted each year in the United States due to leaks alone (https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-kids). By making sure they are fixed, not only are you conserving water, you are saving money on your water bill too!
Don’t Water Your Garden in the Heat: Gardens use hundreds of gallons of water, and in order to use this precious resource efficiently, it is best to water your plants early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Either way, try to water your garden when the sun is not at its brightest, this way your plants are able to absorb the water before it evaporates. This can also apply to when the sprinkler system in your yard goes off.
Turn Off Dripping Faucets: As simple as this may sound, turning off running faucets can help save money and water in every household. After using the restroom or kitchen sink, make sure the faucets are not left on. Even though it may not seem significant, over time those small drops of water saved can add up.
Take Quick Showers: Now I am not saying to cut your warm showers off at 5 minutes, but try shortening the time you leave the water running, and if you can help, don’t take baths at all. EPA.gov shares that showering “only uses 10 to 25 gallons, while a bath takes up to 70 gallons” (https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-kids).
Educate Your Family and Friends About Saving Water: It may not seem like a lot to save a few drops here and there, but if everyone participates, hundreds of gallons can be saved by each family every month. Share tips like these with your neighbors and friends, and together we can all help to conserve water this summer.