In the United Kingdom, May 11
th through the 15
th is Water Saving Week. While we may be across the pond, that doesn’t mean we can’t follow their example. Saving water is a terrific practice both for the environment and our own pocketbooks.
Environmental Reasons for Saving Water
Beyond
swimming lessons and
boating, water safety should always be taken very seriously. Believe it or not, this includes the water from our taps, too! Not only that, it can be quite good for the environment as well!
The fact is, people tend to be rather wasteful when it comes to water. Many of us seem to believe there is a limitless supply. However, using excess water can really take a toll on the environment. The water we use comes from nearby rivers and lakes, which are a crucial part of our natural ecosystem. The more water we waste at home, the less that’s available for nature. Taking proper precautions and saving water can help leave nature with the crucial supply needed to keep the land fertile and populated.
Additionally, if we deplete our water resources, it will mean that costly extra infrastructures must be built. In fact, a
2014 Government Accountability Report showed that 40 out of 50 state water managers expected to see water shortages under average conditions in some portion of their states over the next decade.
Stopping the Flood
Keeping in mind all of these important reasons why saving water is beneficial, let’s take a closer look at some other ways we can all help.
On average, it is estimated that each American uses roughly 82 gallons of water a day. The average family can also waste 9,400 gallons of water annually due to household leaks. That's equivalent to the amount of water needed to wash more than 300 loads of laundry. As you can see, that’s a lot of waste! Fortunately, there are several ways to help stop the flood.
Install Water-Efficient Fixtures and Appliances
Making some minor changes to your home can help your family use roughly 20 percent less water.
Only Run the Dishwasher When Full
Far too many of us make a habit out of constantly running the dishwasher. Instead, try running it only when it is full. For many families, this can help to eliminate unnecessary loads and save gallons of water annually.
Don’t Let the Sink Run
One major way of saving water is to simply turn off the tap when it isn’t needed. For example, do you need to let the water run the entire time you brush your teeth or shave? Probably not! Instead, only open the tap when you’re actively using the water. It’s a small change that can make a huge difference.
Limit Lawn Watering
Finally, we all love a nice green lawn, but sometimes people can go overboard. If a lawn is watered for 20 minutes every day of the week, this contributes a massive loss of water. It is basically like taking an extra super-long shower every day of the year. Instead, set a schedule that will grow a lush lawn with minimal damage to the environment (and your wallet!).
