Water Saving Tips for Summer

06-15-2011

Water conservation is something that should be increasingly considered both at home and commercially, and it’s the time of year when the issue becomes more prominent. Summer inevitably brings a spike in water consumption across the country, with gardening and household chores taking their toll on scarce supplies. In addition to this excessive usage, water leaks and preventable water loss can make up a significant percentage of the water used throughout the season.

Here are American Water’s top ten ways to save water in summer;

1. Don’t water your lawn if it doesn’t need it. Test the grass first by walking on it - if it springs back it doesn’t need watering.
2. Water early in the morning. The lower temperatures allow the water to be used efficiently, while watering in the midday sun can lose up to 30% through evaporation.
3. Cut your grass on a higher setting to make the lawn more drought-tolerant.
4. Use a broom to clean the driveway or patio rather than a hose.
5. Use a bucket and sponge to clean your car.
6. Only use dishwashers and washing machines when they are full to capacity, and use water-saving cycles where possible.
7. Keep cold water in the refrigerator, instead of running the faucet until the water is cool enough to drink.
8. Take showers instead of baths – a bathtub requires around 70 gallons of water while a five-minute shower uses a maximum of 25 and as little as 10 gallons.
9. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, this can save up to 8 gallons a day.
10. Check your toilet, faucets and pipes for any potential water leaks.