Freshwater supplies are increasingly affected by stress factors, including population growth, increased demand from agriculture, inefficient water use and climate change. Drought and water shortages are becoming more frequent and severe, especially in some parts of the world. Over the next half-century, the world’s population is expected to grow from 6.9 billion to 9.8 billion; thus, the need for more water is expected to grow as well. In this article, we will delve deeper into the gory details of how to reduce water usage. Here are a few ways to make it happen.
1. Renovate Drained Water Pipes
This is a best step to reducing your daily water usage is to renovate the leaked water pipes in your house. This will reduce the overall water loss through the house. So, at the end you will have fewer leaks. Replacing or renovating leaking pipes can reduce your daily water use by an average of 10%.
It’s important to note that leaky plumbing can create problems from mold to high water bills. Also, avoiding repairs may result in lead poisoning, which affects children. Removing or replacing these pipes can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars every year. You can see more ways to reduce water usage here.
2. Take Shorter Showers
The good thing about shorter showers is that they cause less water loss, meaning you will save more money. Furthermore, shorter showers also encourage you to use water for other important things. This may include cleaning the shower, or for washing your hair or brushing your teeth.
Bath tubs uses more water. Shower uses only about half as much water. Therefore, this is another step you can take to reduce your daily water usage. This may not be beneficial for everyone, but the fewer showers, the better.
3. Turn Off Water While Washing Hands or Shaving
Most of us do not realize how much water we use when we wash our hands and shave. You would be surprised! You may think washing your hands is a little waste of water, but it is not. In fact, washing your hands by hand can use up to 60% of the water your body uses in the entire day. So, this one is a bit tricky.
However, it is a good practice to turn off the water while you wash your hands or shave. In this way, you will save more water and money. People forget to turn off taps when they brush their teeth. This is not a wise practice. So, turn off the water while you brush your teeth, wash your hands or anything else, and while doing shave.
4. Water Your Lawns Only When It Is Necessary
When it comes to watering your lawn, you should water only when it is necessary. Watering your lawn on a regular basis can create problems such as high water bills, leaking pipes, dying grass and lawn diseases. Doing so will also cause the grass to grow more slowly.
Wait for about a week and then water it again. After a week of watering, the grass will be nicely cut, the grass will have lots of nutrients and the lawn will look lush and green. So, wait until the grass is really thirsty.
5. Tell Your Kids to Use Water Properly
Another way to reduce water usage is to talk with your kids about the proper use of water. Tell them to never leave the bathroom faucet running all day, even if it is only for a couple of seconds. Children may feel more comfortable using a tap instead of using the handheld container for handwashing and tooth brushing.
Tell your children to remember to turn off the tap when they are done. This will save a lot of water. Kids also should not use buckets to pour water, but use the sink instead. Kids also should not use buckets to pour water, but use the sink instead. Pouring water from a bucket using the wrong size bucket can waste at least 40% of the water.
6. Pick Your Plants Wisely
The best way to cut back on your water usage is to plant your plants wisely. Instead of watering your lawns, go for a more water-friendly plants. Planting plants that are native to your area will help reduce water usage. For example, if you live in a less water-friendly area, choose plants that need less water.
In such cases, you will save more water in the long run. Also, most natives to the area can handle dry weather better. However, it’s important to note that natives do not generally need a lot of water, which is another reason why such plants may be a wise choice.
7. Reduce Leaks
Another important way to save water is to limit leaks. Check all pipes in your house to check for leaks. Leaks can reduce the amount of water in your house, or even ruin the whole house. When you know your leaks, fix them.
If you can, it’s wise to hire a professional. Many of us forget to check leaks in the first place. This is not a good habit. You should take care of your pipes, and a professional should take care of all the rest.
Final Verdict!
Trying to reduce water usage is never easy. But there are several simple ways to reduce your water consumption. Changing your habits and installing better and smarter appliances can significantly help you reduce your water usage. There are many ways to save water, and they will vary from person to person.
However, every effort counts. Try to think about ways you can be more conscious of the use of water and cut down on your water bill. Your house and your clothes may thank you for it. So, whatever water conservation tips you have, take a step forward and use them. Get started on making a difference today!
Do you know how to use less water in your daily life? Let us know in the comment section below!
