OK, let's get back to basics. Conserving water is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to be greener at home. Some newer apartment buildings in New York City have elaborate systems of water retention and re-use, such as treating wastewater for use in toilets and air-conditioning systems and rainwater storage tanks for the irrigation of rooftop gardens. Fortunately, it's not necessary to undergo a complete plumbing overhaul to make a significant dent in your water use.First things first: check for leaks! Leaks account for about 15% of water use in the average home. That small, pesky leak in your toilet or shower can lose about 22 gallons of water per day, which translates into about 8,000 gallons per year. Saving that water could be as simple as replacing a washer.
Toilets are a huge drain (no pun intended) on water. To reduce the amount of water flushed away, put an inch or so of sand or pebbles inside a plastic bottle, fill the bottle with water, screw the lid on, and place them in the toilet tank. Make sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank to keep it flushing properly. And if you're in the market for a new toilet, buy a low-flush model, which uses 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to
5. And if you're inclined to install a urinal (hey, people do it) you can get one that uses no water at all.Showers account for 22% of individual water use in North America. Installing low-flow shower heads can reduce the amount of water used without reducing shower pressure. Equipping each faucet in your home with an aerator is another extremely easy and inexpensive way to reduce water waste.
Of course, there's always that thing about how if you want to save water, bathe with a friend. Just watch those claws.
Posts
