Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of maintaining a lush, green garden under the scorching sun. It’s also the season when water consumption spikes, straining this precious resource – not to mention significantly raising your water bills! To help homeowners reduce their environmental footprint and possibly lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is crucial.
Narrow Path Plumbing understands the importance of water conservation and offers practical solutions. Here are eight expert tips to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn and garden’s aesthetics or your comfort at home.
You can conserve water by:
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container: Whether it’s fresh strawberries from your garden or spinach from your local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is essential. Instead of 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. It’s a win-win all around!
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand: Did you know that washing your dishes by hand can consume up to 20 gallons of water on average? This significant water usage highlights the importance of considering more efficient methods for everyday tasks.
While hand-washing dishes can be therapeutic for some, it’s not always the most water-efficient method. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers are designed to use less water than washing the same load by hand, with most models using around 4 gallons of water. If you still need to wash some items by hand, be mindful of water use. Instead of leaving the water running, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water. This simple step can significantly reduce water usage and promote a more environmentally friendly approach to household chores.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food: Planning ahead can conserve water during meal times. 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 food.
Doing Laundry with the Intention:
- Optimize Your Washing Routine – Running your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded maximizes its efficiency, conserving both water and energy. This method delays the need for multiple washes, ultimately saving gallons of water.
- Avoid Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle includes an extra rinse to protect clothes, leading to increased water consumption. To maintain the quality of your garments while being mindful of water usage, it’s best to avoid this setting unless absolutely necessary.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening: Watering your garden during the peak heat of the day can result in significant water loss due to evaporation. Make sure the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most by watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. By doing so, you provide your plants with the best opportunity to absorb the necessary moisture efficiently.
Keeping Your Pool Covered: If you own a pool, covering it when not in use can significantly reduce water loss caused by evaporation. A pool cover also offers the added benefits of keeping your pool clean and reducing the need for chemicals. By incorporating this simple step, you can maintain your pool more efficiently and effectively, ensuring it remains in top condition.
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds: Additionally, proper mulching of your garden beds goes beyond simple weed control; it’s an essential technique for soil moisture retention. Keep in mind that a solid mulch layer minimizes sun exposure to the soil, keeping it cooler and reducing evaporation. This results in less frequent watering and a healthier, more vibrant garden.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away: A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. Regularly inspecting both your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and promptly repairing them is in your best interest. By doing so, you ensure optimal water conservation and maintain the efficiency of your home’s plumbing system. If you need assistance, our team of professionals is just a call away, ready to help you address any plumbing issues effectively and efficiently.
Adopting these tips can significantly reduce your water consumption this summer. Remember, conserving water is crucial for both the environment and your finances. By integrating these practices, you can maintain a thriving garden and a comfortable home while contributing to the preservation of a vital resource.
Call Narrow Path Plumbing today at (937) 623-2619, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
