Water is an essential part of life, but it can also be one of your household’s biggest expenses. That’s why it’s important to take steps to reduce your water consumption. Here are some easy ways to save water and lower your bill.
1. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. A running faucet wastes 6 liters of water per minute.
2. Take a shorter shower or install a low-flow showerhead and save up to 50 liters per shower.
3. Turn off the tap when you wash or rinse dishes by hand and save up to 30 liters in 10 minutes.
4. Check for toilet leaks by putting food coloring in the tank: if the color shows up in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak and should replace your toilet flapper valve or other parts as needed.
5. Don’t let the water run while washing vegetables or rinsing dishes — fill one basin with soapy water for washing and another with clean water for rinsing instead and save up to 50 liters in 10 minutes.
6. Don’t use the toilet as a trash can. Toilet paper goes in the toilet, not the garbage can. It’s okay if some toilet paper ends up in the drain (that’s what it’s there for), however other items like paper towels, baby wipes and feminine hygiene products should go in the garbage or recycling bin instead. You don’t want to risk clogging your pipes and having to call a plumber!
7. Adjust Your Sprinklers. Sprinkler problems are the biggest culprit behind excessive watering. If you have an automatic sprinkler system, check it often to make sure that heads aren’t blocked or broken, that nozzles aren’t clogged or spraying in the wrong direction, and that sprayers are covering only the yard, not sidewalks and driveways.
