Americans waste more water every year than they realize. Problems like leaking pipes squander an estimated 7 billion gallons of clean drinking water every day. That’s enough to fill over 11,000 swimming pools. Combined with the $11 billion annual shortfall to replace aging facilities, it’s easy to see how the U.S. is an incredibly water-inefficient country.
Water conservation has several benefits. Firstly, it reduces the cost of both water supplies and wastewater disposals. Secondly, saving water create opportunities to develop efficiencies in other areas, such as a reduction in greenhouse emissions. Thirdly, saving water reduces the risk of pollution and environmental contamination since there’s less wastewater in need of disposal. These are just to name a few.
Thankfully, saving water is easier than you’d think. Here are a few ways that you can help.
1. Replace an Old Toilet.
Believe it or not, toilets are actually the main source of a home’s wastewater. Using as much as six gallons per flush, they account for nearly 30% of an average home’s water consumption. If families replace their older models with modern toilets, they could reduce their water usage by 20% to 60%, which is nearly 13,000 gallons saved. In fact, if all old toilets were replaced in the country. 520 billion gallons of water would be saved a year, which is the same amount that flows over Niagara falls in about 12 days.
2. Wash Full Loads.
Waiting until you have a full load of laundry or your dishwasher is full is a great way to start saving water. Just because you want to wear the same pair of pants the next day, or because you don’t feel like washing a few plates is no reason to waste all that water.
3. Use Less.
Perhaps the most obvious, simple, and affordable way to save water is to simply use less. Turn the faucet off while brushing teeth and doing dishes, turning it on only when it’s needed. Take shorter showers. Use the hose less. Essentially, turn the water off unless you’re using it.
Saving water doesn’t have to be a struggle. All it takes is a bit of self-awareness. If you have any questions about saving water, feel free to ask in the comments. Check out this website for more: www.mansfieldplumbing.com
