It’s so easy to get used to things. We get used to getting out of bed every morning and doing the same things like: go to the bathroom; brush your teeth; take a shower; make coffee; etc. Guess what? All of these things involved the world’s most precious resource – water! But how often does that cross your mind?
I’ve tried to make it a personal goal to be mentally engaged every time I use water. You can do the same thing by making a few minor adjustments to your day. Here are some suggestions from FEMA to help you conserve water.
Bathroom
• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.
• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.
• Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.
• Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.
Kitchen
• Operate automatic dishwashers only when they are fully loaded. Use the "light wash" feature, if available, to use less water.
• Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.
• Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.
• Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.
• Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.
• Avoid rinsing dishes before placing them in the dishwasher; just remove large particles of food. (Most dishwashers can clean soiled dishes very well, so dishes do not have to be rinsed before washing)
• Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.
Laundry
• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.
General
• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2, 700 gallons of water per year!
• Check all plumbing for leaks. Have leaks repaired by a plumber.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.
• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.
• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.
• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.
Let’s make it our mission to be more conscientious about how blessed we are to have clean water by making some of these small adjustments to our daily lives. Doing this helps me realize the integral role that water plays in life and helps me never forget that 1 in 6 people don’t even have the luxury of needing a list like the one above.
Take action! Make today the day you save lives and change the world!
Best to you,
Nathan White
Director of Operations
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