SMART LIVING

Get Water Wise

Conserving water at home will take a load off the environment as well as your pocketbook. From small changes that take minimum effort, to bigger changes that can yield dramatic water savings, we'll show you how to make a difference.

Imagine a huge room filled with 1,600 cups of water. That's how much water the average American uses each day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In recent years, water conservation has become a major priority in states facing severe water shortages, but experts agree it's only a matter of time before the problem is felt across the country. To view up-to-date drought conditions across the country, click here.

Every Drop Counts
Whether or not you live in an area that's currently dealing with water shortages, there are a number of inexpensive and easy-to-install water-saving fixtures that will result in significant water conservation. It might not feel like you're making a much of a difference, but consider this: Fixing a leaky toilet can save about 200 gallons of water each day. In fact, a visit to a Certified Professional at your local The Home Depot store can yield a number of other water-saving solutions.

 

Just getting started? To find out if your toilet is leaking, place a drop of food coloring in the tank; if the color shows in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

Water-Saving Solutions
A quick walk around your home can reveal a number of other simple water-saving opportunities. For just a few dollars, an aerator installed on a kitchen or bathroom faucet can help cut water consumption while maintaining a smooth, high-pressure flow. A high-efficiency showerhead costs a little more, but works on the same premise. High-efficiency toilets use 20% less water than 1.6 GPF toilets and 60% less than 3.5 GPF toilets. A water recirculating pump or a tankless water heater will save several thousands of gallons of water waste per year, but the investment is higher. By the same token, switching to an ENERGY STAR^® qualified washing machine can save 7,000 gallons of water a year.

 

Ready for the next step? Next time you purchase a flower or shrub, consider a low water use plant for year-round landscape color.

Watering Wisely Outdoors
There's no reason for water-saving measures to stop at the front door, either. Sprinkler timers, rain switches and drip irrigation systems are all fantastic ways to keep your garden looking lush without draining your wallet. When it comes to planting time in the spring, consider drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Adding a layer of mulch to your garden will also help retain moisture so you won't have to water as often.

 

Already a water-saver? By switching to an ENERGY STAR® qualified washing machine, you can save enough water to fill up three backyard swimming pools!

No More Flushing Money Down the Drain
It goes without saying that implementing water-wise changes at home will have a positive impact on water supplies, but you'll also notice a difference on your utility bills, too. According to the EPA, the average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill. By making some of the simple water-saving changes mentioned above, you could save about $170 per year. And, if all US households installed water-efficient appliances, the country would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion dollars per year.

So whether you plan to tackle a few small drips, or overhaul all of your household plumbing system, remember that every little bit counts toward preserving water supplies for tomorrow. In the meantime, various municipalities offer rebates when you purchase water conservation products. Check with your water municipality to see if you qualify.

For more ideas on how to conserve water, visit the EPA WaterSense^® website