In addition to saving money on your water bill, cutting your water usage will also help the planet and will bring you one step closer to going completely green. Many people will tell you that in order to save money, you will first need to spend some. And while it is true that some water saving devices do cost a little up front, there are also inexpensive (often free) alternatives to save you money on your water bill.
As with everything, there are different methods for saving water. Start with the free method to save some on your water bill, then, if you chose to do so, add on the alternative method to save even more (and be even greener).
#1: Washing Clothes
Free: Always do full loads of laundry and wear clothes as many times as possible before washing. Towels and jeans often can be used more than once between washes.
Almost Free: Buy a water-efficient washing machine (like a front load one) that uses less water for the same amount of laundry.
#2: Taking a Shower
Free: Turn off the water while you lather up the soap and shampoo your hair. Then, turn it back on to rinse. If you keep your showers to less than four minutes, you will use less than a quarter of the water as a bath would.
Almost Free: Purchase a low-flow shower head that will conserve even more water when you do have the shower on. Also, stop up the tub and use the leftover water for watering plants or flushing toilets.
#3: Watering Your Lawn
Free: Turn on the sprinklers early in the morning instead of during the hottest part of the day. At this time, the ground will soak up more water and you will not have to water as long.
Almost Free: Purchase some large tubs and collect rainwater when it does rain. Then, save that water for the drier times and use it to water your lawn instead of purchasing water.