How Everyone Can Save Water

A warming planet, extreme weather events, pollution, and the expansion of industry and agriculture all impact water conservation. For many communities around the globe, a predictable supply of clean water for drinking and washing isn’t guaranteed. Some even struggle for sufficient reserves of this finite resource to grow food.

The importance of water conservation

Wasting water can strain local water supplies and ecosystems because it requires communities to extract, treat, and distribute more water to serve the demand. Using water efficiently, on the other hand, supports better water quality in waterways, lakes, oceans, and rivers.

Although some areas may have more than enough water to meet current needs, that might not always be the case. Many people already live with water scarcity—according to the UN, about 4 billion people (two-thirds of all humans) live with severe water scarcity at least one month of the year, and 1.42 billion live in places with high or extremely high water vulnerability.

Those of us with ready access to water have a responsibility to use it respectfully, not only to preserve it for our own needs but for future generations as the climate heats up and rainfall patterns become less predictable. Following are some easy-to-implement tips around your home.

Employ water-saving technology

There are a wide variety of devices and technologies that can help you save water. Some are for inside the home while others help conserve water outside. For instance, low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, dual-flush or low-flush toilets, and toilet tank fill cycle diverters can translate into less water usage in the bathroom. The kitchen can also benefit from a faucet aerator that mixes air and water to deliver sufficient water pressure with lower usage. Installing a leak detection system can help you spot any water leaks early. Finally, a water flow measurement device can give you an accurate read on your household water consumption, so you can manage it more efficiently.  

In the garden, lots of technologies reduce water waste and support conservation. These include rain sensors that turn off scheduled waterings when rain is coming and irrigation controls like smart sprinklers that water plants only when needed. Other innovations include efficient sprinkler heads, soil moisture sensors to tell how much watering is required, and drip irrigation systems that minimize waste by directing water right to plant roots.

Practice conservation in the kitchen

One of the most effective ways to save water in the kitchen is by using a dishwasher. If you’ve harbored the notion that handwashing dishes uses less water, you’re in good company. Many people buy into this myth, but unfortunately, it’s not true. A dishwater uses far less water. The trick is to run your dishwasher when it’s full and, preferably, during off-peak hours according to local guidelines. Remember to keep your dishwasher clean so it works efficiently.

If you don’t have a dishwasher, you can save water with the two-basin method: fill two basins in your sink with hot water and put dish soap in one. The soapy basin is for scrubbing and washing, while the clear one is for rinsing. Be sure to scrape dishes into the trash beforehand and soak pots and pans for a few hours to loosen any stuck food. Other water-smart kitchen tips include thawing frozen foods slowly in the refrigerator instead of under running water and cooking by steaming instead of boiling when possible.

Use less water in the bathroom

Considering more than half of all household water usage occurs in the bathroom, this is where changing your habits can have a real benefit. When brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your face or hands, only run the water when needed.

Limit baths since they use more water than showers and, when you shower, keep it as short as possible. Afterwards, hang your towels to dry and wash them only when required. In addition, don’t use your toilet as a trash can; if you blow your nose on a tissue, throw it in the trash can instead of flushing it.

Try to reduce usage in the laundry room

Rather than automatically laundering your clothes after every wearing, check to make sure they really need a wash. Many items of clothing—like jeans and sweaters—can be worn a few times between washes. Run the washing machine only when full and if you must wash a smaller load, adjust the water level accordingly. Selecting shorter wash cycles, pre-treating stains, and opting for an energy-efficient machine are other tips that support less water usage. Keep in mind that eco-friendly laundry detergents typically require less rinse water and contribute to less water pollution compared to other kinds.

If ocean plastic pollution worries you, consider buying a microfiber collector to trap synthetic microfibers that clothes shed in the wash. These tiny particles are a major contributor to water pollution.

Enjoy your yard with less water

Outdoor watering accounts for about 30% of water used by households in the United States. In dry climates or during hot summer weather this percentage can double. Sweeping driveways instead of using the hose and taking your vehicle to a commercial car wash are simple ways to minimize water usage. Additionally, putting an automatic shut off on your hose and having a rainwater collection system can help.

Plan a water-smart landscape to beautify your yard. Choose native plants that will thrive in your climate, pack mulch around plants to help retain water, and water the garden in the morning or evening, when temperatures are cooler and less water is lost to evaporation.

In closing

When it comes to resource conservation, water is often top of mind, and with good reason: It’s essential for all life on earth, and modern lifestyles require more and more of it. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to reduce water usage around your house. Whether it’s investing in water-smart fixtures or simply being more mindful about water waste, you can help conserve this precious resource—and reduce your water bill in the process.