Did you know that over 60% of the water you use in your house comes from flushing toilets, showering, and using the faucets? There are many ways you can reduce water use around the house and thereby lower your water bills, and many of the tips we’re about to talk about are simple to implement and easy to keep up. For everybody in Fort Collins who’s looking to save some money on water bills this year, here are a few of the easiest ways to start.
Save Water in the Bathroom
For most people, the debate between showering or taking a bath comes down to things like time and purpose. For example, if you have a few extra minutes and want to relax, then a bath is the perfect way to get clean at the same time. But if you’re in a rush and just need to get ready as quickly as possible, then the shower is the way to go.
But what you may not realize is that the bath doesn’t just take more time than the shower, it also takes more water — 45 to 60 gallons more, to be precise. Unless you’re in the shower for 20 minutes or more, showering is the clear winner when it comes to water conservation, because a five-minute shower will only use up to 25 gallons of water, whereas a full bath requires upwards of 70 gallons.
Save Water in the Driveway
When you wash your car in the driveway, you’re probably using at least 100 gallons of water each time.
By contrast, a professional car wash will use less than half of this, so even though you pay more upfront for the carwash, you’re actually going to save money on your water bill by switching to a professional wash, and you’ll help to conserve a great deal of water.
Save Water All Around the House
Water leaks around the house, such as dripping faucets and leaky pipes, could be wasting 10,000 gallons of water or more each year, and saving on your water bill could be as simple as fixing your plumbing problems.
To check for leaks, inspect pipes, faucets, showerheads, toilets, and other water sources for drips, puddles, and other signs that water has been somewhere it shouldn’t. If you find any issues, fix them right away to reap the most savings.
Use Greywater Instead of New Water for Your Plants
Greywater is water that you’ve already used to boil food, wash your hands, wash dishes or clothes, or even from the shower or bath. This water is a great resource that you can reuse in the garden, and you could actually cut your outdoor water use by more than 50 percent by using greywater instead of fresh water for the garden and lawn.
One of the easiest ways to collect greywater is to fill buckets to use in the garden, but you can also install irrigation systems that lead directly from the source (such as the washing machine) to your garden.
Expert note: Greywater doesn’t include water that’s been in toilets, used to wash diapers, or otherwise been in contact with sewage or waste.
There are so many different ways you can save water around the house, and with every water-smart habit you adopt, you’ll see savings on your water bill. Beyond that, you’ll also be doing your part for a healthier planet, which is another bonus of taking steps to reduce water use and lower your water bills. Contact our 24-hour plumber today for additional water-saving tips.
