The need for water is a basic necessity of human life. Water is integral to our daily lives. Water is essential for everything from cooking, cleaning and showering to gardening and even washing dishes. Most of us tend to take water for granted, until there are water shortages or issues with water quality.
Nearly 85% of Americans get their water from public water sources. For the rest, they rely on wells and other sources of potable water.
Be mindful of how you use water while enjoying the endless supply. Reduce water consumption should be the main objective. Water efficiency will help save you money and protect the environment.
How to reduce water usage at home
1. Install Low Flow Bathroom Fixtures
According to the USGS Water Science School, an average American uses 80-100 gallons of water per day. The two major water-consuming appliances are showers and toilets. Low-flow faucets, showerheads and toilets reduce water consumption dramatically. Toilets with low-flow use 1.6 GPF (gallons per flush). Showerheads that flow at 2.5 gallons/minute are best.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Water Heaters
The water heaters in your home account for about 18% of the energy you use. To conserve water, ensure that your water heater has an energy-efficient design. Consider using tankless heaters if you are a family of fewer than five people.
Reduce your energy costs by lowering the thermostat of your water heater to 120degF. To prevent heat loss, insulate your heater and pipes. Find a contractor to help with this process by checking your contract directory.
3. Buy a dishwasher
According to the Energy Star Program, installing a dishwasher in your home could help you save 5,000 gallons per year. Automatic dishwashers use less water than hand washing dishes. Get a dishwasher to protect the environment and save water.
4. Tweak your Garden Management
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, Americans on average use nine billion gallons per day for their gardens. Inefficient irrigation is responsible for a large portion of water waste. Avoid irrigating your entire lawn to reduce water consumption. Replace your lawn with an environmentally-friendly landscape.
How to improve water quality
It is essential to have high-quality water in your home. You should improve water quality if you notice discoloration or taste changes in your water. First, let’s look at the main culprits of poor water quality.
- Products developed to disinfect water during treatment
- The corrosion of plumbing fixtures
- Distribution system corrosive with corrosive products
- Line breaks can allow contaminants to enter the water system.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you use purified water for everyday household chores such as washing your hands and brushing your teeth. What can you do to improve the water quality in your home?
1. Use Filtered water
The water is universally soluble and can contain minerals, like calcium, which harden the water. Mineral deposits can be harmful and should not be consumed.
A filtration system installed in your house is a good way to remove minerals. Filters come in different materials such as ceramics, fabric, fiber, and others. Choose a filter material that will block the impurities in water. The label of the filter will tell you what pollutants it can remove.
Replace your filter cartridges as often as necessary, because bacteria can build up in them. Follow the instructions in the manual to replace the cartridge. Some common water filtration systems are Countertop Water Filter (also known as a countertop filter), Point Of Use Water Filters (also called under-the-sink filters), Distillers and Whole-House Water Filters.
2. Drain all your water heating units
The water heater needs to be maintained annually as a worn out heater can cause serious problems with the quality of your drinking water. In the tank, bacteria, metals and sediments may accumulate. Drain your water heater annually to improve water quality and efficiency.
Water heaters that use hard water lose 50 percent of their efficiency, according to Water Quality Association. Water softener units can be used to remove hard water from your water heater. The systems remove contaminants and increase water efficiency, while lowering utility costs.
3. Tap the cold water taps
The water in your pipes can sit for many hours if you do not use it for several. Water quality is affected by the corrosive materials in pipes. Let your cold taps run for two minutes or more before using water to drink or cook. Other water-saving activities such as running the faucets, using the dishwasher and flushing toilets are equally effective.
You can improve water quality in other ways than those mentioned above.
- Replace the faucet aerators when necessary and clean them regularly
- Replace old plumbing fixtures in your home
- It is better to avoid hot water when cooking because it will dissolve contaminants faster
Here are a few ways you can reduce your water consumption at home, and also improve the water quality.