Saving Water During Summer
In summer, it is common for expenses to be higher. From vacations to summer camp, all the extra spending adds up. It is only natural to look for a way to save money, and saving water during summer is one way to reduce your utility bills. Here are 5 tips that will help reduce your water consumption at home.
1. Plant Drought-Tolerant Greenery
A large lawn full of grass consumes an enormous amount of water, especially during the summer. Saving water during summer can be easily achieved year after year by creating sections of your yard that require less water. You can do this by planting certain species of flowers, grasses, and succulents that are known to be drought-tolerant. Supplement the greenery with mulch, gravel, or rocks, and you will significantly reduce the water you use in your yard.
2. Water in the Morning
When you water your lawn in the middle of a hot summer day, you might as well not water it at all. The hot sun evaporates the water so quickly that it doesn’t have a chance to sink into the soil. It is worth getting up early in the morning to water your plants if your goal is saving water during summer. The water will actually seep down to the roots and you won’t need to water as often.
3. Go to the Car Wash
Did you know that washing your car at home can use up to 140 gallons of water while a commercial car wash only uses 9-15 gallons? The choice is clear when saving water during summer. Car washes are also better for the water supply because the car wash recycles the water and washing your car by hand sends harsh chemicals and soaps into lakes and rivers.
4. Make Sure Your Toilet Isn’t Leaking
A leaking toilet can send your water bill skyrocketing. To easily tell if your toilet tank has a leak, all you need is a little food coloring. Drop some in the toilet tank and wait about 10 minutes. If that food coloring ended up in the toilet bowl, it is leaking. Click here for instructions on how to fix it.
5. Be Mindful in the Shower
Due to the heat and outdoor activities, people shower more often in the summer. While shortening your shower by a couple minutes is the most effective way of saving water during summer, you can also try turning the water off when you are shampooing and shaving. If you have kids that are hard to persuade to change their habits, switch out the showerhead to a low-flow model and they will be forced to save water while showering!
Try out these 5 techniques and you can save money and feel good about not wasting water.
Buyer’s Edge Home Inspections serves Western North Carolina with home inspection services, including home water testing. Contact us to book your appointment today.