Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the hot summer sun. It’s also when water consumption spikes, straining this precious resource…and making your water bills higher. For homeowners wanting to reduce their environmental footprint and possibly lower their water bills (we feel you!), conserving water during these hot months is crucial. Here are eight practical tips from Centerville Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn or garden or your comfort at home.
You can conserve water by:
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
Fresh produce must be washed, but instead of just running tap water over each fruit or veggie, fill up a bowl with water and rinse them there. This way, you’ll save water and can even reuse it to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand
Hand-washing dishes can use up to 20 gallons of water on average! While washing dishes by hand can be therapeutic for some, but it’s not always the best for saving water. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers often use less water than washing by hand, typically around 4 gallons per load. But if you need to wash a few items by hand, avoid leaving the water running. Instead, fill one sink with soapy water and the other with rinse water.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can help you save water at meal times. Instead of using running water to thaw frozen foods, just move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This way, you save water and make sure your food thaws safely.
Doing Laundry with the Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Running your washing machine only when it’s packed full makes it more efficient, saving both water and energy. This way, you delay needing to do multiple washes and save gallons of water in the long run.
- Avoid Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle uses an extra rinse to protect clothes, which means more water. So, unless you need to utilize this setting maintain your garments’ quality, it’s best to skip this setting altogether.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden in the heat of the day can waste a lot of water through evaporation. Instead, to get the water to the roots where it’s needed, try watering your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, your plants have a better chance to soak up the moisture.
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 reduces the need for chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about stopping weeds; it’s also a great way to keep soil moisture in. This is because a good layer of mulch cuts down on sun exposure, keeping the soil cool and reducing evaporation. This means you’ll have to water less often and have a happier, healthier garden.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away
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 promptly. This will greatly aid in cutting back on water consumption.
Following these tips 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 making these little changes here and there, you can keep your garden green and your home comfy, all while doing your bit to preserve a vital resource.
Call Centerville Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-0169, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
