Summer means long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the scorching summer sun. It’s also when water usage and bills go through the roof. So, if you’re looking to be more eco-friendly and maybe save some money on your water bill, conserving water during these hot months is key. Check out these eight practical tips from Loveland Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer.
Think About Conserving Water with These Methods:
What about washing your fresh produce? If you go through a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the week, you understand how washing and rinsing are involved before you can consume them. Cleaning your produce is a must! However, instead of just running tap water over each fruit or veggie, try filling a bowl with water and rinsing them there. This way, you save water and can even reuse it to water your houseplants!
What about washing your dishes? Did you know that washing dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water? Washing dishes by hand can be pretty therapeutic for some folks, but it’s not always the best way to save water. Dishwashers, especially the newer, energy-efficient ones, can actually use less water than doing it all by hand. Most of these efficient models use about 4 gallons of water. But if you need to hand wash a few items, try not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one basin with soapy water and the other with rinse water.
What about thawing your frozen food? Planning ahead can really save you water at meal times. Instead of thawing your frozen foods under running water, just move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This way, you save water and ensure your food thaws safely, too.
What about doing your laundry?
- Wash Only Full Loads and Not Partial Ones – Running your washing machine only when it’s packed to the brim makes it super efficient, saving both water and energy. Plus, it cuts down on the number of washes you need, which means you save gallons of water in the long run.
- Try to avoid the Permanent Press setting – The permanent-press cycle uses more water because of the extra rinse. Unless you really need it to keep your clothes looking good, it’s best to skip this setting.
What about watering your garden? Watering your garden in the middle of a hot day can cause a lot of water to evaporate before it even reaches the roots. To make sure your plants get the hydration they need, try watering them early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, your plants have a better chance to soak up the moisture.
What about keeping your pool covered? If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and means you’ll need fewer chemicals.
What about layering your mulch? Mulching your garden beds isn’t just for weed control; it’s also awesome for retaining soil moisture. A good layer of mulch keeps the soil cool by reducing its exposure to the sun, which cuts down on evaporation. This means you’ll water less often and enjoy a happier, healthier garden.
What about your leaky fixtures? A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them quickly.
Taking these simple steps can really cut down your water use this summer. Remember, saving water isn’t just good for the environment—it’s great for your wallet, too. By following these tips, you can enjoy a lush garden and a cozy home while knowing you’re helping to conserve a vital resource.
Call Loveland Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 644-0556, or schedule an appointment now by clicking here!