Water, Water.. Not Everywhere, Pt. 2Last month I offered a few sobering facts about how precious clean water
is becoming. So here are some easy ideas to help us all learn to be water smart:
* If you have one, read your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter doesn't read exactly the same, you've got a leak.
* 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.
* Put plastic bottles or a float booster in your toilet tank
To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.
* Rain Barrel Systems
Use natural rainwater for yard and garden, and be water wise. A roof area of only 1,000 sq ft can provide approx. 600 gallons of water during a one inch rainfall. Be sure to know what your roof and rain container are made of, though. Roofing materials especially may contain particles that you don’t want to be drinking, giving to pets, or spraying on your veggies.
* Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads
Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Most dishwashing soap manufacturers claim you don't have to pre-rinse your dishes. Your mileage may vary, but try it and see - it can save lots of water!
* Know your washing cycles
With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle, which can add up to five gallons for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. Replace old clothes washers. Newer Energy Star rated washers use 35 - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving front-load washer.
* Skip the kitchen garbage disposal units
In-sink garbage disposals are very wasteful. They require lots of water to operate properly, and also add considerably to the volume of solids in septic tanks and in water treatment facilities. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste.
* Don't just let the water run
Pay attention to habits of just running the water. Turn it off while you brush your teeth, and don't let the faucet run while you clean your fresh veggies. Instead, rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.
Remember --
Every little bit makes a world of difference.
