Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and, for many, the challenge of maintaining a lush, green garden under the scorching sun. It is also the season when water consumption spikes, placing a strain on this precious resource – not to mention our water bills! For homeowners seeking to reduce their environmental footprint and potentially lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is crucial. So, here are eight practical tips from Mason Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without compromising the aesthetics of your lawn and garden or your comfort at home.
CONSERVE WATER BY:
Washing Your Produce in a Large Container
Whether it’s the fresh strawberries from your garden or the spinach you bought from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is essential. Rather than running tap water over each piece of produce, try filling a bowl with water and rinse your produce that way. This method not only conserves water but also allows you to reuse it for watering your houseplants. Sounds like a win-win to us~
Using the Dish Washer When Possible
Did you know that washing dishes by hand can consume an average of up to 20 gallons of water? While washing dishes by hand can be therapeutic for some, it is not always the most water-efficient method. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers can often use less water than washing the same load by hand. Most energy-efficient dishwasher models use approximately 4 gallons of water. However, if hand washing is necessary, avoid leaving the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water. If you don’t have a two-basin sink
Thawing Your Frozen Food Ahead of Time
Planning ahead can conserve water during meal preparation. Instead of using running water to thaw frozen foods, transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before. This approach not only saves water but also ensures a safe thawing method.
Planning to Wash all Your Laundry Together
- Wash Only Full Loads – Operating your washing machine only when fully loaded optimizes its efficiency, conserving both water and energy. So, try to stay away from washing smaller or partial loads. This will reduce the frequency of washes, ultimately helping to save significant amounts of water.
- Avoid Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle includes an additional rinse to protect clothes, resulting in higher water usage. Therefore, unless it is essential for maintaining the quality of your garments, it is advisable to avoid using this setting.
Watering Your Lawn and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden during the heat of the day can result in substantial water loss due to the evaporation process. To ensure that water reaches the roots where it’s needed most, consider watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. This approach will provide your plants with a better opportunity to absorb the moisture.
Covering Your Pool When Not in Use
If you own a pool, covering it when not in use can significantly reduce water loss due to evaporation. Additionally, a pool cover helps maintain cleanliness and decreases the need for chemicals.
Mulching Your Garden Beds in Thick Layers
Mulching garden beds serves not only as an effective method for weed control but also helps in retaining soil moisture. This means that by applying a heaving layer of mulch, the soil’s exposure to the sun is minimized, thereby keeping it cool and reducing evaporation. Consequently, this results in less frequent watering and promotes a healthier, more vibrant garden.
Not Letting Leaky Fixtures Go Unfixed
A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or a constantly running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to regularly inspect your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and repair them promptly.
Implementing these measures can substantially reduce your water consumption this summer. Remember, conserving water is crucial for the environment and beneficial for your finances. By adopting these practices, you can maintain a green garden and a comfortable home while contributing to the conservation of a vital resource.
Call Mason Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 298-6996, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!