This summer has been downright hot and dry. That’s because there is moderate to extreme drought throughout much of New England. Many Massachusetts towns have imposed water bans, asking residents to limit their use of water for non-essential purposes. However, you can do more to help, and you can even lower your water bill in the process. Here are 10 things you can do right now to save water:
1. Install low-flow showerheads to save water.
Cost: None. Included with your no-cost Mass Save home energy audit with Wattson Home Solutions.
Did you know that you use an average of 10 gallons of water every time you take a shower? A low-flow showerhead will greatly improve the efficiency of your shower by reducing the amount of water you use.
2. Install sink aerators.
Cost: None. Included with your no-cost Mass Save home energy audit with Wattson Home Solutions.
You use an average of 2 gallons per minute when you run your kitchen or bathroom sink. Similar to the low-flow showerhead, an aerator reduces the amount of water that comes out of your faucet by mixing the water with air. Instead of a steady stream, you’ll get more of a spray. Don’t worry – you’ll still be able to use your sink as you normally would.
3. Insulate your hot water pipes.
Cost: None. Included with your no-cost Mass Save home energy audit with Wattson Home Solutions.
Insulating your hot water pipes will help you get hot water faster when you turn on the faucet. Also, you’ll waste less water waiting for the water to run warm/hot.
4. Compost instead of using your garbage disposal.
Cost: Minimal. You’ll need something to cover your compost pile and a shovel to turn it every now and then.
Garbage disposals need a lot of water to work properly. They can also clog up your septic tank, leading to another world of problems. Give your leftovers back to Mother Nature, and allow her to use your food waste to:
- Improve the quality of the soil in your lawn or garden.
- Create a natural fertilizer and mulch (i.e. make one less trip to the garden center).
- Keep your soil from drying out (a much-needed perk if you’re not allowed to water your grass as often as you’d like).
- Reduce landfill waste, carbon emissions, and our dependence on fossil fuels – otherwise known as saving the world.
5. Take shorter showers.
I know this is a tough one for most of us and/or our family members. Try to time your shower to your favorite 1-2 songs. Or consider turning off the shower while you lather up and shampoo, and then turn it back on to rinse off.
6. Don’t run the water while you brush your teeth, shave or wash your face.
This is another habit that’s hard to break. Remind yourself of the 2 gallons per minute you waste by doing this.
7. Make sure the dishwashers and washing machines are full before you run a load.
You’ll end up doing fewer loads overall, which will help save time on doing household chores. Time saved on household chores turns into more time for watching your favorite TV shows.
8. Defrost meat in the microwave or in the fridge overnight.
Instead of running hot water to defrost tonight’s dinner, try using the “Defrost” setting on your microwave. You could also take the frozen meat out of your freezer and put it in the fridge overnight to defrost. It’ll be ready to prep and cook by the time you get home from work.
9. Check for leaks around your toilet, faucets, and pipes.
Those little drips add up! According to Energy.gov,
“One drip per second wastes 1,661 gallons of water and can cost you up to $35 per year.”
One trick homeowners have found helpful is pouring a bit of food coloring into the sink or drain while they run the water. It helps make finding the leak a lot faster.
10. Keep cold water in a pitcher in your fridge instead of waiting for tap water to run cold.
Cost: $1-$21
If you don’t own a pitcher, you can find an inexpensive one at your local dollar store. Looking for something that will purify your water, too? Brita water pitchers go for just under $30 on Amazon.
Be a water efficiency hero! Schedule your no-cost Mass Save home energy audit with Wattson Home Solutions and take advantage of your no-cost water-saving methods today.
