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Save More Water at Home

Collin Dunn, Corvallis, OR, USA

Collin Dunn

By Collin Dunn
Corvallis, OR, USA | Sun Mar 23, 2008 01:21 PM ET

With wildfires raging in southern California and record-breaking droughts in Atlanta and much of the southern US, water conservation has never been more important than it is right now. We've already mentioned some ways to save water, but it's important and timely enough that we'll take another peek at strategies and activities to insure you don't waste any water, courtesy of American Water, Eartheasy and Water: Use it Wisely.

1. Save up to 150 gallons a month by shortening your shower by a minute or two.

2. Insulate your home's water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation; you'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

3. Start a compost pile or bin, and use it to collect your organic waste, instead of using your sink's garbage disposal.4. Get a water meter installed on your home, so you can see how much water you're using and use it to figure out if you've got any leaks. Just turn off all the water in your house, check the meter, wait two hours, and check again; you'll be able to easily see if you've got a hidden leak.

5. This one can't be emphasized enough: check (and re-check. And then keep checking) your home for water leaks; a faucet dripping at the rate of one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year!

6. Keep a jug or bottle of water in the fridge, so you don't have to waste water waiting for the stream to get cold.

7. Put a layer of mulch around your outdoor trees and plants; it'll slow moisture evaporation and discourage weed growth, too.

8. Pay attention to what goes down the drain: if you have a pet, don't toss their old water; if an ice cube hits the floor, don't just chuck it in the sink. Use them to water your house plants.

9. When washing your car, be sure to use one that recycles all their water; better yet, check out the waterless car wash.

10. Extra mile tip: when replacing a toilet, consider a composting toilet or waterless urinal.

11. Share these water conservation tips with your friends and family.

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

 
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