Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and, for many, the challenge of maintaining a lush, green garden under the intense heat. It is also the season when water consumption increases significantly, putting a strain on this valuable resource. For homeowners aiming to reduce their environmental impact and potentially lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is essential! So, without further ado, here are eight practical tips from Columbus Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer while maintaining the aesthetics of your lawn and garden and ensuring your comfort at home.
Conserve Water by Enforcing These Practical Steps Regularly:
- Think About Your Produce – Whether it’s fresh strawberries from your garden or spinach purchased from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is essential. Rather than running tap water over each fruit or vegetable, fill a bowl with water and rinse your produce there. This method not only conserves water but can also be reused to water your houseplants.
- Think About Your Dishes – Did you know that hand-washing dishes can consume up to 20 gallons of water on average? While some may find hand-washing therapeutic, it is not always the most water-efficient method. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers can use significantly less water than washing the same load by hand, with most models using around 4 gallons. If hand-washing is necessary, it is advisable not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Think About Your Frozen Food – Planning ahead can conserve water during mealtimes. Instead of using running water to thaw frozen foods, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. This method not only saves water but also ensures safe thawing of your foods.
- Think About Your Laundry
- Wash Only Full Loads – Operating your washing machine exclusively with full loads optimizes efficiency, conserving both water and energy. This method reduces the frequency of washes, ultimately saving significant amounts of water.
- Try Not to Use the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent pressure cycle includes an additional rinse to protect clothes, resulting in higher water consumption. So, unless it is crucial for maintaining the quality of specific garments, it is advisable to refrain from using this setting.
- Think About Your Lawn and Garden – Watering your garden during the heat of the day can result in significant water loss due to the evaporation process. To ensure the water reaches the roots where it is most needed, it is advisable to water your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. This practice enhances the plant’s ability to absorb moisture effectively.
- Think About Your Pool (If You Have One) – If you own a pool, covering it when not in use can significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation. Additionally, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and reduces the need for chemicals.
- Think About Your Garden Beds – Mulching your garden beds serves more than just weed control; it is also an effective method for retaining soil moisture. Applying a substantial layer of mulch reduces the soil’s exposure to sunlight, thereby keeping it cool and minimizing evaporation. This results in less frequent watering and promotes a healthier, more vibrant garden.
- Think About Your Plumbing Fixtures – A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or a constantly running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to regularly inspect your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and address any issues promptly.
Remember, even the small steps here and there will add up to make a difference. Implementing these tips can greatly impact your water consumption this summer. By adopting these practices, you can maintain a lush garden and a comfortable home while cutting back on your household water consumption.
Call Columbus Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 879-3783 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!
