According to recent statistics, each household in the US uses about 146,000 gallons of water in their homes every year. With that said, scientists predict that there will be water shortages in at least 36 states by the year 2013. However, with just a little cooperation and a minimum of effort, there are many things that people can do to help conserve this valuable resource in their homes.
Repair Leaks Immediately
Studies show that such things as leaky pipes and faucets account for as much as 10 percent of water usage in people's homes. This can add up to a lot of waste. Thus, people should regularly check all of their plumbing devices for any possible leaks. This includes such things as pipes, faucets, toilets and hot water heaters.
Switch to Low-Flow Shower Heads
Shower heads that were made before the year 1992 deliver water at about eight gallons per minute. However, newer models of low-flow shower heads use only about 1.6 to 1.85 gallons of water per minute. This can add up to a savings of as much as 45,000 gallons of water for just one household.
Replace Old Commodes
Toilets that were made before the year 1994 use about three and a half gallons or more of water for every flush. However, new models of ultra low-flush toilets use only about 1.6 gallons for each flush. These toilets are extremely affordable, and they often pay for themselves in just a few years.
Replace Old Washing Machines
There are many new washing machines that use an average of 40 percent less water than older models. Those people who wash about two loads of clothes per week can save in excess of 6,400 gallons of water per year with one of these new models.
Water Your Grass and Gardens Less
People can waste thousands of gallons of water every month when they leave sprinklers turned on in their yards. This is simply unnecessary. By purchasing such things as sprinkler clocks, rain sensors or irrigation controls, systems will only water plants and grass when they need to be watered.
These are just some of the ways that people can help to conserve water; there are many more things they can do. Some of the other terrific ways to conserve are by using a car wash to wash your car, rather than a garden hose and turning off faucets while you brush your teeth. Every little change that people may make can mean a huge difference in how much water they save each year.
Repair Leaks Immediately
Studies show that such things as leaky pipes and faucets account for as much as 10 percent of water usage in people's homes. This can add up to a lot of waste. Thus, people should regularly check all of their plumbing devices for any possible leaks. This includes such things as pipes, faucets, toilets and hot water heaters.
Switch to Low-Flow Shower Heads
Shower heads that were made before the year 1992 deliver water at about eight gallons per minute. However, newer models of low-flow shower heads use only about 1.6 to 1.85 gallons of water per minute. This can add up to a savings of as much as 45,000 gallons of water for just one household.
Replace Old Commodes
Toilets that were made before the year 1994 use about three and a half gallons or more of water for every flush. However, new models of ultra low-flush toilets use only about 1.6 gallons for each flush. These toilets are extremely affordable, and they often pay for themselves in just a few years.
Replace Old Washing Machines
There are many new washing machines that use an average of 40 percent less water than older models. Those people who wash about two loads of clothes per week can save in excess of 6,400 gallons of water per year with one of these new models.
Water Your Grass and Gardens Less
People can waste thousands of gallons of water every month when they leave sprinklers turned on in their yards. This is simply unnecessary. By purchasing such things as sprinkler clocks, rain sensors or irrigation controls, systems will only water plants and grass when they need to be watered.
These are just some of the ways that people can help to conserve water; there are many more things they can do. Some of the other terrific ways to conserve are by using a car wash to wash your car, rather than a garden hose and turning off faucets while you brush your teeth. Every little change that people may make can mean a huge difference in how much water they save each year.
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