For most of us, we open the tap, and there flows water. It seems so normal that we don’t think about it, and often waste this very precious, essential resource. As Americans, we use a daily average of over 100 gallons of water per person at home, while millions of the world’s poorest subsist on fewer than 5 gallons a day, according to the National Geographic… Without calling for drastic measures, we would like to draw your attention on the need for water conservancy, as we humans are depleting our fresh water supply more quickly than Mother Nature can recharge it.  Read on to see which habits you can change.

1.    Your shower lasts over 8 minutes

Let’s face it: none of us are so dirty that we need more than 5 minutes to be clean. Unless you are washing 8 inch-long hair, too, any more time beyond that is pure luxury. Even better: turn off the faucets while using soap and shampoo!
Also, consider how many gallons per minute your showerhead uses. A pre-1992 showerhead can use up to 4 gallons per minute (gpm), while a low-flow, high efficiency one uses only 1.4 gpm. So check your showerhead and opt for a low-flow one while cutting down your shower time.

Tip: Use the timer on your cell phone to remind you when your time is up. If you are a gadget lover and can spend the money, try using an automated shower timer such as the Shower Manager: it will stop the water for you.

2.    You let the water run while brushing your teeth, shaving and/or washing your hands

Need we say more? That water is purely and simply wasted.

Tip: Use a cup to rinse your mouth while brushing your teeth.

3.    Your toilets were made before 1994

Flushing the toilet consumes nearly 30% of residential indoor water. Toilets made before 1994 use 3.5 gpf (gallons per flush), while those made after 1994 use 1.6 gpf, as per the National Energy Policy Act. If your toilet was manufactured before 1994, just change it, as it is using more water than the law allows and more than is necessary. 

Tip: For an even more efficient toilet, you can install a HET (High Efficiency Toilet) that uses only 1.28 gpf or a dual-flush toilet, helping you save about 4000 gallons of water per year.

4.    You’ve had a leak for over 24 hours and still haven’t fixed it

Leakages are an incredible source of water waste. If you can’t fix it yourself or get the plumber to come right away, place a bucket or jar under the leak to collect the water. Even if that small drop doesn’t look like much to you, it sure adds up.

Tip: use the water for your indoors or outdoors plants and flowers.

5.    You defrost frozen shrimp (or other) under running water

A simple planning ahead will prevent water to be wasted that way. Take the shrimp out of the freezer the night or the morning before, and let it defrost slowly in the fridge. It will taste better, too!

 

6.    You don’t soak your dishes before washing them

It requires much more (hot) water, elbow grease and detergent to remove stuck-on scrambled eggs scraps if you don’t let the pan soak first. Just let a bit of water and time work their magic and save water (and money) in the process.

Tip: Invest in a small recyclable plastic washbasin that you can store underneath the sink when not in use.

7.    Your automatic sprinklers come on in the middle of the day, and/or when it rains

We’ve all seen it: sprinklers spraying away while rain is pouring down. What a waste! Be mindful of the weather and manually switch off your sprinklers if you know it is going to rain. Also, watering in the early morning is the best time of the day: the water won’t be lost to evaporation, and winds are usually lower at the time of day.

Tip: Consider planting native, drought tolerant plants and flowers in your garden.

8.    You wash your car with a water hose

Nowadays, there are efficient waterless carwash products that allow you to wash your car with a spray bottle and a few fiber cloths, and nothing else. Washing your car in your driveway with water and conventional, toxic carwash products means a toxic run-off that pollutes oceans and other water streams, or underground water. Read our Eco-friendlier Car Wash article to find out more about washing your car with a waterless product.