Water is a limited resource. Only one percent of the Earth's water is usable by people. As the planet's population continues to grow, the water supply will eventually run out, and the water we take for granted in our homes might dry up.
Typical water usage facts: one toilet flush uses 3.5 gallons, while more efficient toilets are available that use only 1.6 gallons. While older faucets can use three to five gallons per minute when fully on, faucets made since 1994 are required to use at least half as much water, a maximum of 2.5 gallons per minute. The typical shower uses three to seven gallons per minute, and the typical bathtub holds 40 or more gallons.
- Reduce your overall water consumption. Even one minute makes a difference. Suppose you have a lowflow shower head which uses 2.5 gallons per minute. Then a five-minute shower uses 5 x 2.5 =12.5 gallons. Cutting this to four minutes makes it 4 x 2.5 = 10 gallons. If you shower once a day, in one year you will save 2.5 X 365 = 912.5 gallons.
- Buy EnergyStar appliances. They use less water. A typical toploading washing machine uses about 40 to 45 gallons of water, whereas the front-loading washers may save up to half the energy and water. Front-loaders are priced above $500.00, while most top-loading washers are available between $250.00 and $500.00, but you will continue to save on water and electricity or gas after a few months. You can also get a tax deduction when you buy those with the EnergyStar certification.
- Don't buy bottled water; invest in a water bottle and utilize available sources, such as your workplace or school. [This is more of a waste-reducing tip that involves water and saves money.] An average bottle of water costs $1.25, a bottle a day for a year costs $456.25. Buying one bottle and refilling it every day saves you $455.00 over a year, and saves 365 bottles from ending up in the trash.
- Fill a pitcher with water to keep in the refrigerator, so you don't have to run the tapwater until it turns cold.
- Install "low-flow" devices.
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