According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), less than 1% of all of the water on Earth can be used by people. The rest of the water is salt water (found in the ocean), or it is permanently frozen so we can’t use it for drinking, washing, or watering plants.
As the population grows, more people are using up this vital, yet limited resource. Therefore, it is essential that we use the Earth’s water wisely so we do not waste it.
1. Never dump water down the drain when there could be another use for it such as watering a plant or cleaning. Even pouring water from an old water bottle onto the grass is better than pouring it down the drain.
2. If you have a dripping faucet, replace the washer. If a faucet is dripping at the rate of one drip per a second, you can waste 2,700 gallons a year.
3. Is your toilet tank leaking? To check, add food coloring to the tank. If there is a leak, the color will appear within 30 minutes. Replace any worn out, corroded, or bent parts. (As soon as the test is done, flush since the food coloring can stain the tank.)
4. Avoid flushing unnecessary items such as tissues or insects down the toilet. Instead, throw them in the trash.
5. Replace your shower heads with ultra-low-flow versions. Some shower heads on the market allow you to cut off the flow while you lather, without affecting the temperature.
6. Don’t let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving, washing your face or hands.
7. If you have wasteful household faucets, you can retrofit them by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
8. Instead of thawing frozen foods with cold or running water, defrost them overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on the microwave.
9. Insulate the water pipes in your home. Insulation allows the water to heat up faster while wasting less water.
10. You may want to install an instant water heater under the kitchen sink so you don’t have to run water while it heats up. Such a unit will reduce the heating costs for your household too.
11. Does your toilet handle often stick in the flush position, where it lets the water flow constantly? If so, adjust or replace it.
Looking For a Plumber in Kansas City?
If you’re interested in making sure that your home is as efficient as possible and doesn’t waste water, contact A- Sewer & Septic Service Inc. to arrange a service appointment with an experienced Kansas City plumber from our team!
