Many of us have been looking for ways we can live a little more sustainably, having less of an impact on our environment while still catering to our needs, and often saving a little money in return. You might already be looking at ways to cut down on the energy used by your appliances and to reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, but have you thought about changes you can make to how your home uses water, too?
Look for low-flow
Your bathroom and kitchen are, naturally, going to be the first places that you look to when it comes to your water usage. To that end, the shower, sink, and toilet can all be adjusted to help you save. Low-flow toilets, showers, and faucets are all becoming a lot more common. These installations limit the amount of water used per flush or per second of running compared to traditional options, while still ensuring enough water is provided to be clean and do the job. Newer models of low-flow toilets ensure that you still get as much power and water pressure as you need behind your appliance, you just waste less water while you’re doing it. While it can be an investment, it’s one that will eventually pay for itself.
Mind how you water your garden
If you have a garden, then you’re going to need to water it during the summer. Unless you plan on going wild and letting nature reclaim it (which is an option, with rewilding tips becoming more widely followed), then you are going to have to use water when it’s overly dry or hot. However, installing an irrigation system in your garden is going to save a lot more water than running the hose. These systems are designed to provide what water is needed gradually, whereas people can be more wasteful when trying to gauge it manually. You can also look at options such as xeriscaping, which transforms you garden into one specifically designed not to use as much water as you would otherwise.
How you heat your water is crucial, too
It’s not technically focused on saving water, but how you use hot water is just as important for sustainability. One of the biggest causes of wasted energy in the household is an inefficient heater, after all, so making an installation like an electric heat pump water heater can make a huge difference. You can make sure that you have access to heated water throughout the day, and that you can get it much more quickly. Aside from helping you save on your fuel bills, if you’re able to heat up water much more quickly, then it only stands to reason that you’re going to be wasting less water when you run it, as you don’t have to wait for it to heat up for as long.
Make use of water that’s already there
You don’t always have to turn to the faucets when you’re in need of water. There’s water that could be right there, ready for us to use. Grey water, for instance, such as water that has already been used for washing dishes or for taking a bath, can be reused for things like watering your garden. However, one of the biggest ways that you can save on water is by using the rainwater that falls on your home and in your garden. There are rainwater harvesting systems that you can use to save up water that can then be used in the garden or for washing your car or otherwise. Just do be aware that it’s not potable water, so don’t try and drink it, for your own good.
Be more mindful with your habits
Systematic changes in the home are going to be how you do the bulk of your water usage reduction, but that doesn’t mean that your habits aren’t important, too. This includes reducing the time it takes you to shower to only a couple of minutes, ensuring that you don’t leave your faucet running when washing your hands, and letting the sink fill up with water when washing dishes instead of keeping the faucet constantly running. Look at where you use water and always be thinking “how can I use a little less?” Being mindful of our water usage is the key.
Water is poised to become a lot more precious and scarce, depending on where you live. While home usage is far from the majority player in water waste, we can still all do our part. Hopefully, the tips above help you do that.
