Summer brings long, sunny days and all sorts of fun, seasonal activities. It is also the season when water consumption increases significantly, putting a strain on this precious resource. For homeowners aiming to reduce their environmental footprint and potentially lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is essential. So, without further ado, here are eight practical tips from Five Star Columbus Plumbing to help you save water this summer without compromising the aesthetics of your lawn and garden or your comfort at home.
- Rinsing Produce: Cleaning your produce is a must. Instead of running tap water over each fruit or veggie, fill a bowl with water and rinse them there. This method not only saves water but can also be reused to water your houseplants.
- Washing Dishes: While washing dishes by hand can be a relaxing activity for some, it’s not always the most water-efficient method. Did you know that washing dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water? But modern dishwashers can actually use less water than washing the same load by hand. Most of these energy-efficient dishwashers use around 4 gallons of water. If you do need to wash some items by hand, try not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Thawing Your Frozen Food: Planning ahead can help you save water at meal times. Instead of using running water to thaw your frozen foods, try moving them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. This way, you’ll save water and ensure your food thaw safely.
- Doing Laundry:
- Wash only full loads when you do laundry. Running your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded maximizes efficiency, saving both water and energy. This way, you delay the need for multiple washes and end up saving gallons of water!
- Stay away from using the permanent-press setting. The permanent-press cycle uses an extra rinse to protect your clothes, which means more water usage. Unless it’s really needed to keep your garments in good shape, it’s best to skip this setting whenever possible.
- Watering the Garden: Watering your garden during the heat of the day can cause a lot of water to evaporate. Instead, to make sure the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most, try watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, you’ll give your plants a better chance to soak up the moisture.
- Covering the Pool: If you’ve got a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and cuts back on the need for chemicals.
- Layering Your Mulch: Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about keeping weeds at bay; it’s also fantastic for retaining soil moisture. A good layer of mulch will shield the soil from the sun, keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. This means you’ll water less often and enjoy a happier, healthier garden.
- Fixing Leaks: A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them promptly.
These tips can make a big difference in your water usage this summer. Remember, saving water is not only great for the environment but also helps you save money. By adopting these habits, you can enjoy a green garden and a cozy home, all while knowing you’re helping to conserve a vital resource.
Call Five Star Columbus Plumbing today at (614) 401-8086, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
