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The earth holds fresh water beneath its surface, but it is being used faster than it is being replenished. Society lives off groundwater, which is our main source of drinking water. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that the average American family of four uses about 400 gallons of water a day.Being a responsible user of water is more important than ever! The best and first way to make an immediate change is by taking a look at your daily water use. Doing so you can make the necessary changes to minimize or eliminate water waste in your life.
- This tip may seem obvious but you should never leave your faucet running – even if you are just stepping away for a minute! Try to not let the faucet run unnecessarily while you are washing dishes, hands, face or teeth.
- Learn to repurpose water. When you are rinsing fruits and veggies in a colander you can place a bowl below to capture the water. That perfectly fine water can be used for your garden!
- This tip is a bit old fashion but works like a charm! Depending on if you have a double sink you can double-dip your dishes. To do so, you fill one side with hot water with soap and the other with cool. According the EPA washing dishes this way uses HALF the amount of water than a running sink wash. If you do not have a double sink you can use two large bowls.
- Today’s dishwashers are created with conservation in mind. When choosing your next dishwater check how many gallons of water are used per wash. Make sure when you do run your dishwasher it is full!If you usually run small loads, it is smart to consider a double-drawer model, such as the Fisher Paykel machine. The drawers, use less than 2 gallons of water each, work independently, saving water, energy and detergent.
- Another appliance that should be chosen carefully is your washing machine! The average American family washed about 300 loads of laundry a year. To save the most water is it important to look for an Energy Star certified machine. These machines use 40% less water compared to regular washers.
