How to Save Water in the Home, Lawn and Garden

Fresh water is not an unlimited resource. Less than 1% of the Earth's total water supply is available for human use. Nevertheless, we use water like it's going out of style. The United States is the biggest offender when it comes to wasting water. In fact, the US was rated the number one water waster by the Water Poverty Index. Water demand is increasing faster than the population is growing. However, no new water is becoming available. Meanwhile, nearly 20% of the world's population has no access to clean, safe drinking water. Furthermore, any water that's wasted is money down the drain. Saving water means saving money, and it can really add up over time.

There are many ways in the home where most people can save water around the house. One of the easiest ways is by turning off the water when it's not needed. Don't let the water run while you're brushing your teeth. Another effective way to save water is by checking for hidden leaks. Drippy faucets and leaky toilets are a major source of wasted water. Getting rid of these leaks will help you to save money on your water bill without a lot of effort. You can also install a low-flush toilet to save water. There are also special aerators you can install in your shower and faucets that reduce the amount of water that flows out of the fixtures without reducing the water pressure.

We waste a lot of water while doing ordinary household cleaning. To prevent this, make sure that you only run the clothes washer and dishwasher when they're full. Don't let the faucet run to gain access to the hot water in your water heater. You can save a lot of water by putting some water in a pot on the stove or in a glass container in the microwave to heat it up or by installing a small water heater under the kitchen sink. Fill a basin instead of letting the faucet run while you're washing dishes by hand. When you're washing the car, save water by fitting the end of your hose with a nozzle.

Let your grass grow to about 3 inches tall. Watering your lawn deeply about twice a week is better than watering lightly on a more frequent basis. Watering only in the early morning during the summer months can also help to save water. When choosing grass and garden plants, select plants that are drought-resistant. Creating a xeriscape garden can be fun and educational, and can save large amounts of water. Place mulch or compost around the base of your plants to trap water in the soil. Use a rain barrel to catch rain water and use that for watering your lawn and garden. If you must use a sprinkler, position it carefully so that you're not watering the street. Also, try using a soaker hose instead of a sprinkler.

Taking these steps will help to ensure that our water resources are put to good use. Saving water doesn't isn't about doing without; it's about water efficiency.

Sources:

"Water Facts." http://www.water.org/waterpartners.aspx?pgID=916

Associated Press, "U.S. worst for wasting water, survey shows." http://www.sptimes.com/2002/12/12/Worldandnation/US_worst_for_wasting_.shtml

"The World Water Crisis" http://www.worldwaterday.net/index.cfm?objectid=E39A970B-F1F6-6035-B9F75093B863ED13