Well maybe not 1,000 but lots of ways…
Learn more about the issues by reading some great books:
And checking out some great resources like:
Water.org for lots of links to information about the world wide crisis
EPA for information about your drinking water
National Water Resources Association for conservation news
World Bank and its water commitment
Where Does Our Water Come From Infographic
Calculate your water footprint at WaterFootPrint.org
Get involved with your house by establishing a water budget goal for the coming year. – Take a look at your water bills and see how much water you use. Then look for ways to reduce consumption and save money.
First, challenge your own water use habits.
- Turn off the water while you brush teeth and shave.
- Time your showers. How often do you spend more than 5 minutes? Use a WaterPebble to mark the time – it is fun and eye opening.
- Do you let the water run before filling your glass with cold water? Maybe keep some in the fridge.
- Do you let the water run to get it nice and hot for a shower or a shave? Use an Evolve switch to stop the flow once the temp has been met.
Look for and fix leaks: Turn off all of the water, go to the water meter and mark the dial or write down the number. Wait ten to fifteen minutes. Did the meter move? Yes? You have leaks somewhere.
– First, look for leaks in your toilet. Put a little food dye in the tank. Wait a little while – 10-15 minutes. If any dye ends up in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Clean or replace the flapper and check again. Still leaking? Call the plumber.
– Second, while waiting for the toilet dye, check the pipes under your sinks, look at the piping in the basement, check your faucets and showers for drips. Mark the leaks with a piece of chalk so you can find them again. Replace the washers in your sinks and showers and tighten up plumbing connections (or call the plumber).
– While you are messing with your pipes, insulate them. Yes, both hot and cold. Cold to reduce condensation and potential mold in your house. Hot to preserve the heat so the water heats you in the shower instead of the air in your house.
Next, install low-flow WaterSense labelled aerators on your sinks and showerheads in your baths.
And then, check out the toilet again. How many gallons does it use each flush? If it is an older model, consider replacing it with a low flow, WaterSense labelled unit or fill a gallon milk jug with water and stick it in the tank away from the flushing mechanism. This will offset the water volume and reduce flow.
Take a look at your clothes washer. How old is it? Do you have any idea how much water it uses? Check it out. The difference between an older model and a new efficient washer can be 20 gallons a load! WOW! Consider replacing it with a WaterSense Labelled, EnergyStar rated unit and save big.
You use water outside too:
Redirect your gutters into the garden to reduce runoff and increase infiltration
Install a rain barrel
under each of your downspouts and use the water in the garden or to wash your car. How much can you capture? Here is an easy calculation.
Take the pledge to carry and use a reusable water bottle and choose tap water over bottled water.
Volunteer with your community’s watershed group to help in restoration
Most of all, have a great water day.
