Every Drop Counts

WLLW’s guide to simple and effective ways to reduce water usage at home.

Water is an increasingly precious resource, yet in many homes it is used inefficiently and often wasted. With research showing that climate change is intensifying droughts across both the USA and the rest of the world, and water scarcity is becoming a growing concern, it is more important than ever to adopt habits that conserve water. Small changes in daily routines can significantly reduce consumption, leading to both environmental benefits and lower utility bills.

Start with Everyday Habits

One of the simplest ways to cut down on water usage is by being mindful of everyday activities. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands can save gallons of water each day. A running faucet can waste as much as two gallons per minute, meaning that just by switching it off when not needed, a household can save thousands of gallons annually.

Similarly, shortening showers can make a noticeable difference. For example, a standard inefficient showerhead can use around 5 gallons per minute, leading to a rough cost of nearly $400 per person per year for 8-minute showers. Cutting shower time by just a couple of minutes can lead to substantial savings over time, with 5-minute showers costing less than $250. Installing a water-efficient showerhead further amplifies this effect by reducing the flow rate without compromising the experience. The most efficient use only around 1.5 gallons per minute and cost less than $120 per year on average for an 8-minute shower, or $75 for a shorter, 5-minute shower.

Another effective habit is only using dishwashers and washing machines when they are fully loaded. Half-load cycles often consume almost as much water as a full load, making it more efficient to wait until the appliance is fully loaded. Where possible, opting for an eco-mode on these machines can reduce both water and energy consumption.

The Impact of Our Everyday Habits:

• The average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks. That’s enough water to wash more than 300 loads of laundry.
• Household leaks can waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide. That’s equivalent to the annual household water use of nearly 11 million homes.
• Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day, and while shaving, 10 gallons per shave. Assuming twice-daily brushing and shaving five times per week, that adds up to nearly 5,700 gallons saved per year.
• Letting your faucet run for five minutes while washing dishes can waste 10 gallons of water. Over the course of a year, that’s the equivalent of a year of drinking water for 20 people.
• Watering the average-sized lawn in the United States for 20 minutes every day for a week uses as much water as running the shower continuously for 4 days or taking more than 800 showers — the same amount of water the average family uses for showers in an entire year.

Adjust Kitchen and Laundry Practices

In the kitchen, simple changes can prevent unnecessary water wastage. Instead of rinsing dishes under running water, using a bowl or filling one side of the sink for rinsing conserves water. Scraping plates before washing rather than rinsing food scraps off under running water is another easy adjustment.

For laundry, using cold water cycles not only reduces energy consumption but also conserves water by preventing unnecessary evaporation losses. Additionally, washing clothes only when necessary, rather than out of habit, can cut down on the number of loads required per week.

Fix Leaks and Upgrade Fixtures

Leaks are a common source of water wastage in homes. A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually, making it essential to fix leaks as soon as they are noticed. DrinkTap from the American Water Works Association has a handy tool for calculating water wastage. Checking for hidden leaks in toilets is also crucial. A simple test that can be done easily at home is adding a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank and waiting ten minutes – if the color seeps into the bowl without flushing, there is a leak that should be addressed.

Replacing old faucets, showerheads and toilets with water-efficient models is another step toward significant savings. Aerated faucets, low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets can reduce water consumption without affecting functionality. Many of these upgrades are relatively inexpensive and quickly pay for themselves through lower water bills.

"A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water annually, making it essential to fix leaks as soon as they are noticed."

Reconsider Outdoor Water Use

Outdoor water consumption can be as high as indoor use, particularly in warmer climates where watering gardens is necessary. Watering plants during early mornings or late evenings reduces evaporation losses and allows plants to absorb moisture more effectively. Using a watering can instead of a hose further minimizes unnecessary water use.

For those with lawns, reducing watering frequency and allowing grass to grow slightly longer helps retain moisture. Choosing native or drought-resistant plants that require less watering is another effective strategy. Additionally, installing a rainwater collection system can provide a sustainable water source for gardening and outdoor cleaning tasks.

Conserving Water Outdoors

Rainwater harvesting systems collect and store rainwater for later use, which can be beneficial for both indoor and outdoor applications. In areas with frequent rainfall, this system can supplement household water needs, reducing reliance on mains water.

Permeable paving in gardens and driveways can help water drain back into the ground rather than running off into drainage systems, reducing the need for excessive watering. Additionally, retrofitting homes with water-efficient plumbing and appliances, such as instant hot water systems, can prevent unnecessary water wastage while improving efficiency.

Practical Tips for Reducing Water Usage

• Turn off faucets while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Take shorter showers and install water-saving showerheads.
• Use a dishwasher and washing machine only when full.
• Fix leaks promptly to prevent water wastage.
• Choose native or drought-resistant plants for gardens.
• Water plants during cooler parts of the day to minimize evaporation.
• Install rainwater harvesting systems for outdoor water use.

By making small, mindful changes and considering long-term solutions, households can significantly reduce their water consumption. Not only does this contribute to global conservation efforts, but it also leads to cost savings and a more sustainable lifestyle. Every drop saved today ensures a more water-secure future for generations to come.

Feature Image: Orhan Pergel/Pexels