How To Conserve Water During A Drought
California is currently suffering from one of the worst droughts in the state’s history. Governor Gavin Newsom has asked Californians to help with the drought situation by cutting household water usage by 15 percent.
While commercial enterprises do use a lot more water than residential homes, we should all still do our parts because every little bit helps.
Fix leaks
The first thing you should do to save both money and water is check everywhere for leaks. For this, take a look at your water meter and note the number. Then don’t use any water for a couple of hours. If the meter moves, you likely have a leak. If you can’t find the leak, contact a plumber.
Don’t flush the toilet
Back in the 70s, there was a motto (sorry to be gross), “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Back then, toilets were huge water hogs, using around seven to eight gallons per flush. Today’s toilets are much more efficient. They use around a gallon and a half per flush. Still, if you don’t have to flush it, don’t. If you have a toilet built before 1982, a brick in the tank will save some water.
Always use the dishwasher
One of the biggest myths out there when it comes to water conservation, is that it’s more efficient to wash your dishes in the sink. Today’s dishwashers are extremely efficient. Washing by hand can use up to nine times the amount of water as a high-efficiency dishwashers. If you don’t have a high-efficiency dishwasher, it’s a good investment.
Use low-flow plumbing fixtures
Upgrade your faucets and shower heads with low-flow options. They will save you gallons each day.
Invest in a rain barrel
A rain barrel is a great way to collect water, if and when it ever rains again. Another option is to put a bucket in your shower. Use that water to water plants, both inside and out.
Kill your lawn
Yes, a lush green lawn goes right along with the white picket fence in the American Dream, but the modern/hip alternative is much better for our environment. It’s time to let your lawn go and replace it with native plants, succulents and low-maintenance ground covers. You might miss your lawn, but just think of all the time saved from mowing and watering.
Invest in efficient appliances
If your appliances have seen better days, or they don’t have the “high efficiency” designation, it’s time to upgrade.
Don’t take baths
It takes around 70 gallons of water to fill up a bathtub. A shower is far more efficient. A three minute shower uses around 7.5 gallons of water. If you need to wash your hair, a 10 minute shower will only use about 25 gallons. Take short showers whenever possible. Use dry shampoo in between shampooing.
Don’t wash your car
Okay, we need to wash our cars, at least once in a while, but take it to a car wash instead. You can save up to 100 gallons.
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