Summer is here with its endless sunny days, inviting backyard barbecues, and the relentless challenge of keeping our gardens lush and green amidst the blazing heat. It’s the time of year when our water consumption soars, putting a significant strain on our most precious resource. For those of us eager to shrink our environmental footprint (and maybe even cut down on those water bills—we see you!), finding ways to conserve water during these sweltering months is key.
Lucky for you, New Albany Plumbing & Drain has whipped up eight practical tips to help you save water this summer, ensuring your lawn and garden stay beautiful without compromising your comfort at home. Let’s dive in and make every drop count!
Follow These Tips to Conserve Water:
1. Rinse Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
Got fresh strawberries from your garden or spinach from the local farmers’ market? Cleaning your produce is crucial, but let’s do it wisely! Ditch running tap water over each piece of produce, and instead, fill a bowl with water and give your fruits and veggies a dip there. This savvy method doesn’t just save water – it gives you the perfect opportunity to repurpose it for watering your houseplants.
2. Wash All of Your Dishes by Hand
Did you know that hand-washing your dishes can gulp down an astonishing 20 gallons of water? For some, hand-washing dishes offers a therapeutic escape, but it might not be the champion of water efficiency. Enter the dishwasher—especially the sleek, modern, energy-efficient models that can outperform hand washing by using less water for the same load. Picture this: most cutting-edge dishwashers gulp down just about 4 gallons of water! But, if you’re in a situation where some items need to be hand-washed touch, just don’t run the water the whole time. You can efficiently wash any pieces by filling one side of the sink with soapy water for washing and the other with clear water for a rinse. If you don’t have a two-sided sink, then you can use a basin. Voilà – efficient and eco-friendly!
3. Plan Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Get savvy with your water usage for meals by planning ahead! You can skip the running water method to thaw your frozen food. Instead, shift them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This not only conserves water but also guarantees a safe thaw for your food.
4. Wash Your Laundry with Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Max out your washing machine’s efficiency by only running it when it’s fully loaded! Not only does this conserve precious water and energy, but it also cuts down on the need for multiple washes, saving gallons of water in the process.
- Avoid Using the Permanent Press Setting – Did you know the permanent-press cycle sneaks in an extra rinse to really pamper your clothes? But at the cost of using more water, it may be best to skip this setting altogether unless you are really in a pinch.
4. Water Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
When you water your lawn or garden in the midday sun, precious water is more prone to swiftly evaporating away. It’s a good idea to water your grass and plants early in the morning or under the cloak of evening. That’s when the water sneaks straight to the roots, where it’s desperately needed.
5. Keep Your Pool Covered
Did you know? Covering your pool when it’s not in use can drastically cut down on water loss due to evaporation! Not just that, but a pool cover also keeps your pool sparkling clean and slashes the need for chemicals.
6. Layer Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Layering your mulch on your garden beds does wonders beyond just battling weeds. It’s a secret weapon for moisture retention! A thick mulch layer acts like a shield against the sun’s rays, keeping the soil cool and evaporation at bay. The result? You water less and your garden thrives, happier and healthier than ever!
7. Fix Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away
Did you know that a dripping faucet, a leaky outdoor spigot, or a toilet that won’t stop running can send gallons of water down the drain over time? That’s why it’s crucial to keep an eye on both your indoor and outdoor fixtures for any leaks. Fixing them swiftly not only saves water but also serves your best interests.
Putting these tips into action could dramatically slash your water consumption this summer. Remember, saving water is not just essential for the planet; it’s also kind on your wallet. Embrace these habits, and revel in a lush garden and a cozy home, all while playing a key role in preserving our precious resource.
Call New Albany Plumbing & Drain for all of your plumbing needs today at (614) 245-3319, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!