Reading time 5 mins
With the summer heat and extended daylight, it’s time for fun in the sun, lemonade, and lots of water activities. But hot weather also means we need to be even more conscious of our water usage to avoid the risk of drought or water shortages this season.
If you love being outside as much as we do, then you’ll want to know how you can keep your cool and conserve water at the same time. Here are some practical ways to help you save water this summer.
Install a Water Timer
If you’re not already doing so, use a water timer to help monitor your household water usage. A timer will help you limit your water consumption by shutting off your indoor water faucets when the time runs out. If you’re worried about forgetting to shut the water off manually, look for a timer that has an automatic shutoff feature. If you’re worried that a water timer will cause you to waste more water than you currently are, know that timers can actually help you save even more water than you’re currently using. That’s because they’ll help you avoid the temptation of leaving the water running longer than you need it.
Ditch the Shower
If you’re serious about saving water, consider ditching the daily shower in favor of taking a shorter bath. Showers are typically thought to be more water-efficient than baths, but that doesn’t mean you should be taking long showers. One average-length shower uses roughly the same amount of water as two baths. Keep in mind that not all bathtubs are created equal when it comes to water savings. If you have an old-fashioned tub that requires a seemingly endless supply of water to fill, consider upgrading to an eco-friendly, low-flow or smart bath system that can help you to save water.
Take Shorter Baths
As mentioned above, taking shorter baths can help you save water. But it’s also important to keep in mind that the temperature setting on your faucet controls how much water gets flushed through your pipes and into your bathtub. The hotter the water, the more water flow is needed to fill your bathtub. If you have a standard bathtub without an eco-friendly feature, you can still reduce your water flow by adjusting the temperature setting on your faucet to a cooler setting. Some bathtubs also come with shutoff mechanisms that help to reduce the amount of water used per bath.
Repair Leaks
Leaky faucets can waste thousands of gallons of water each year. So if you notice that your faucet is dripping, take the time to repair the leak as soon as possible. If you’re not sure how to fix a dripping faucet, there are a few ways to tackle the problem yourself. One DIY method to repair a dripping faucet is to wrap a rubber band around the faucet, making sure to place it on the part that’s leaking. Another quick DIY fix for a dripping faucet is to remove the faucet handle and apply plumber’s putty to the problem area. If you’re not comfortable tackling the repair yourself, hire a plumber to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Instead of Flushing, use a Bucket
Instead of flushing every time you need to dispose of something in the toilet, try using a bucket instead. Yes, you read that right. You can use a bucket instead of flushing to dispose of small items like pads, tampons, and tissues. If you have young kids in the house, you can also use a bucket to help them practice using the toilet for the first time. Not only will using a bucket instead of flushing save you water, but it’ll also cut down on the sound of running water in your home.
Go Organic with Your Lawn Care
You’ve probably heard about the importance of using organic gardening methods for your fruits and vegetables. But did you know that you can apply many of those same organic practices to your lawn care? By using organic fertilizers and using less water, you can help reduce your carbon footprint while saving money on your water bill. Try to use less water when watering your lawn and gardens, and choose organic products to keep your plants and flowers healthy. You can also plant drought-resistant plants to help your garden survive even during times of low water availability.
Celebrate Silence with a Humidifier
Humidifiers can help to remedy dry skin and indoor air in the winter and summer. But you’ll want to use a low-flow humidifier with a humidistat in order to conserve water. Keeping your humidifier’s water level low will also help to prevent your humidifier from overflowing and flooding your home. Be mindful of the humidifier’s water level and make sure to clean the unit regularly so that you can maximize its efficiency. If you have an older humidifier, you may want to consider replacing it with a low-flow model to help you to save water.
Go Dark to Help Save Water
This may not seem like a practical way to save water, but it can make a significant impact when done collectively. If you’re hosting a barbecue or pool party, you may want to consider turning off the lights while the sun is still out. If you have decorative lights around your home, try to shut them off when you don’t need them on. If you have decorative light fixtures that don’t have an automatic shutoff feature, try to shut them off every night before you go to bed.
Conclusion
Saving water is something that we should all be doing year-round, not just during the summer months. And while there are plenty of ways to help you save water in the summer, you can do these things year-round as well. If you’re serious about conserving water, you’ll want to take some time to make changes in your daily routine and find ways to save water during every season. From fixing leaks to changing the way you water your plants, there are lots of ways to save water.
Featured image courtesy of: Manki Kim on Unsplash
You might also like to read: 5 ways to reduce your carbon footprint