Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and, for many of us, the challenge of maintaining a lush, green garden under the scorching sun. It’s also the season when water consumption spikes, putting a strain on this precious resource. For homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint and possibly lower their water bills (we get it!), conserving water during these hot months is crucial. Here are eight practical tips from Westerville Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn and garden’s aesthetics or your comfort at home.
You can conserve water by:
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
Whether it’s the fresh strawberries from your garden or the spinach you bought from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is a must. Instead of running tap water over each fruit or vegetable, fill a bowl with water and rinse your produce there. This method not only conserves water but can also be reused to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand
While washing dishes by hand can be therapeutic for some, it’s not always the most water-efficient method. Did you know that washing your dishes by hand can average up to 20 gallons of water consumption? Dishwashers, especially modern, energy-efficient models, can use significantly less water than washing the same load by hand. Most energy-efficient dishwasher models use around 4 gallons of water. However, if you must wash some items by hand, don’t leave the water running. Fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can save you water when it comes to mealtimes. Rather than using running water to thaw your frozen foods, opt to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you need them. Not only does this method save water, but it also ensures your foods thaw safely.
Doing Laundry with the Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Running your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded maximizes its efficiency, which conserves both water and energy. This approach delays the need for multiple washes, ultimately saving gallons of water.
- Stay Away from Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle uses an additional rinse cycle to protect clothes, which means more water usage. So, unless it’s absolutely necessary to maintain the quality of certain garments, try to stay away from this setting altogether.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden during the heat of the day can lead to significant water loss due to the evaporation process. Instead, to ensure the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most, try watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. By doing this, you’ll give your plants a better chance to absorb the moisture.
Keeping Your Pool Covered
If you own a pool, covering it when not in use can significantly reduce water loss caused by evaporation. Plus, a pool cover has the added benefits of keeping your pool clean and reducing the need for chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about weed control; it’s also a great way to retain soil moisture. A solid layer of mulch will reduce the soil’s exposure to the sun, keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. This means less frequent watering for you and a happier, healthier garden.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away
A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Therefore, regularly checking your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and repairing them promptly in your best interests.
Implementing these tips can make a significant difference in your water consumption this summer. Keep in mind that conserving water is not only crucial for the environment but also beneficial for your wallet. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy a green garden and a comfortable home while knowing you’re doing your part to conserve a vital resource.
Call Westerville Plumbing & Drain for all your plumbing needs today at (614) 540-3437, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!