Making resolutions for the New Year is a fun activity during these few weeks. Many people announce their intended resolutions at holiday parties. Some people actually follow through and start their promises while others never even start.
Resolutions run the gamut from promising to eat less sugar to writing and mailing a letter every month to a faraway relative.
Statistically, more than half of all people who make a resolution report that they never followed through with it. But, one resolution that we all need to make … and stick with all year long … is saving water.
It might seem strange to worry about saving water during the wettest months of the year but, once the spring and summer come around, your winter time conservation efforts will make a big difference.
Here are some things that you and your family can do to save water around your home:
- Switch out all of your plumbing fixtures. The fixtures that are installed in your home are not designed with water conservation in mind. (Unless you custom built your home and gave the contactor instructions to do so.) Check your favorite home improvement store for low-flow options for your showerheads and faucets. Just this one change can make a tremendous difference in how much water your home uses. This is especially true if you have little ones who tend to let the water run.
- Improve the water-efficiency of your toilet. If your toilet is more than five years old, chances are it uses up to seven gallons of water every time it is flushed. This is a huge waste. Many newer models only use up to two gallons, and some have the option for using less if the material in the bowl is liquid rather than solid.
- If you have noticed any leaks in your plumbing throughout the year, now is the time to have them repaired. Even the smallest little dribble can add up to a major waste over time. Many times, people will let a small leak go unrepaired because it is not causing any major problems. But, even the smallest leak must be fixed immediately before it escalates.
Add water-conservation to your resolution list for 2016 and ensure that your home is using the least amount of water necessary. Not only will you be glad you did once the hot weather arrives, but you will see a great improvement on the cost of your monthly utility bill.