This is the time of year when many people think about how their year went, and how they would like it to go next year. A lot of people use this time to make New Year’s resolutions.
These little promises that people make to themselves, or others, are a good way to improve behavior and habits that may not be as good as they should be.
Being efficient in your home with how much water is used, is an important responsibility that we should all be mindful of. Make sure to add water-conservation to your New Year’s resolution list.
Here are some ways that you and your household can improve your water efficiency:
- If you have noticed any leaks in your plumbing fixtures, make sure to get them fixed ASAP. Even a small drip from a faucet washer that is worn or cracked will waste close to 20 gallons of water every day. And, as the drip gets larger, more water is wasted. Take a few minutes to walk around your home and check all showerheads and sink faucets for signs of leaks.
- Make sure that everyone in your household knows not to use the toilet as a garbage can. Your toilet is only for human waste. Every time that you flush your toilet, several gallons of water are used. Depending on the age of your toilet, it could be up to 7 gallons of water per flush. Using your toilet to flush a strand of dental floss or a single q-tip not only puts your toilet at risk for clogging but, it waste a significant amount of water.
- Shop around this time of year for deals on plumbing appliances. A new washing machine could cut your water and energy usage by 50%, depending on which model you purchase. Also, when you purchase an energy star certified machine, you could also get a significant tax break.
Add these tips to your household’s daily routine to ensure that your resolution for water conservation is kept all year around. Saving water will not only have a positive impact on the environment but, it will also be a positive for your water bill.