Dry sinks and tubs thoroughly and allow to sit for an hour. To find leaks from faucet handles, dry the area around them before running water. Check Your Toilets for Leaks Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. Rinse water from dishes and food preparation can be collected and used to soak other dishes.
All food has a water footprint, but some are much larger than others. Eating less beef, one of the most water-intensive foods, is a smart place to start. Shifting away from animal products to a plant-based diet can shrink your water footprint significantly. Buying less of everything—from clothing to electronics to household goods—can dramatically decrease your water footprint.
For more information about the thirstiest appliances in your home and how to reduce their water usage, read Top 5 Water Wasters in Your Home.
Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing; this simple practice can save as much as gallons when washing a car.
Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as Eco Touch, which are now on the market. Blasting leaves or stains off your walkways with water is one way to remove them, but brushing with a broom to first loosen the dirt and grime will decrease your water use and save you time in the long run.
Swimming pools can lose an inch or more of water each week to evaporation. Temperature, humidity, wind, and the way the pool is situated can all affect how quickly water evaporates. To save thousands of gallons of pool water each season, get a cover for your pool.
But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.
You can harvest grey water in a small way with a bucket in your kitchen or shower, or install a grey water system, which reroutes water from your drains to your landscape. Though not yet legal everywhere, codes are changing to allow more people to take advantage of this source of otherwise wasted water. The simplest systems harvest only water from the washing machine , which can add up to thousands of gallons per year. Clear any visible clogs, and adjust the settings according to the needs of your plants and the time of year.
Plants will need less water in cooler weather and more in hotter weather, and correct settings will not only save water but ensure that plants are getting the right amounts. Also be sure the timer waters in the morning to reduce loss to evaporation and prevent moisture from staying on plants overnight. Early watering and late watering also reduce water loss to evaporation. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Add Organic Matter to Your Garden Beds Adding organic material to your soil will help increase its absorption and water retention.
Turn a healthy dose of compost into new garden beds when preparing the soil for planting. Harvest Rainwater for Watering Vegetable Beds Use rain barrels or a catchment system to capture valuable rainwater from your roof. Plants prefer untreated water, so your garden will be healthier while you cut your water bill.
The meter quickly lets you know whether the soil is dry, so you only need to water when the plant actually needs it. A good layer of mulch around your plants not only conserves soil moisture but helps keep weeds under control. Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Native plants will use less water and be more resistant to local plant diseases. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.
Plant slopes with plants that will retain water and help reduce runoff. Group plants according to their watering needs. Adding 2 — 4 inches of organic material such as compost or bark mulch will increase the ability of the soil to retain moisture. Press the mulch down around the drip line of each plant to form a slight depression, which will prevent or minimize water runoff. Learn more about different mulch materials and their best use. Position Sprinklers Carefully Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas.
Also, avoid watering on windy days. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load. Use a low flow shower head and faucet aerators. Fix leaks. Install a dual flush or low flow toilet or put a conversion kit on your existing toilet. Install a rain barrel for outdoor watering. Plant a rain garden for catching stormwater runoff from your roof, driveway, and other hard surfaces.
Monitor your water usage on your water bill and ask your local government about a home water audit. Find out more. You'll thank us if you ever have a burst pipe, because you'll be able to cut off the flow before it floods the house.
Some companies and investors that buy up land around the world contribute to water scarcity and pollution. They sometimes deny local people access to water, pollute watercourses or exhaust supplies. This can affect the ability of local communities to farm and access safe drinking water. This is known as "watergrabbing". Make sure you know where your savings or pension are invested.
And check how the companies that make the products you use treat local water sources. That way you'll know you're not supporting water wastage and contamination.
Do they work near you? Save water, save our planet Our water comes from rivers, lakes and sources like the Ladybower Reservoir in Derbyshire pictured.
Read on for ways to take action and save our water supplies. Turn off the taps Don't let your water consumption run out of control. Shower with less Every minute you spend in a power shower uses up to 17 litres of water.
Save up your dirty clothes Washing a full machine load of clothes uses less water and energy than 2 half-loads. Reduce food waste It takes a lot of water to produce our cereal, fruit and other food.
Never miss a thing First name. Last name. Sign up for news. Leave this field blank. Time your gardening Water outdoor plants in the early morning or at the end of the day to stop water immediately evaporating in sunlight and heat. Free planet-friendly activities for kids. Catch rainwater Installing water butts saves up to 5, litres of water a year.
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