More Ways You Can Save Water At Home

Photo credit: Metabrilliant (flickr.com)

It's increasingly important that we treasure our water supplies for the future. With the constant threat of global warming , pollution, and other threats of water shortages, we never know when we will run out with the safe potable water. I do not want to sound apocalyptic but it's just something that every homeowner should do. If everyone were conscious of their own water use at home, that can make a big difference in the grand scheme of things. So here goes 10 saving tips that you might not have heard of yet:

1. Place a large barrel outside for harvesting rainwater. Rainwater is free and you can use it to water plants, clean the car, do the laundry, and the like. ­­­
2. Throwing dropped or leftover ice immediately into the sink is a waste. Instead of the sink, throw those cubes into your plants or your lawn. Ice cubes are great for cooling down your plants and give them a drink without using flowing water.
3. Leave your lawn clippings on the ground. They hold in moisture and will cool the soil so you don't have to water them as much. You can also add more plants to reduce the amount of lawn space. Put on a layer of organic mulch on your plants reduce the growth of weeds. Weeds will compete with your plants for water and other nutrients.
4. If you have kids, minimize buying them toys that use water like water guns. Also, if you've got a pool, turn off the waterfall and other flowing water decorations. Keep an eye on your pool when you're running an automatic refilling machine. Don't let it overflow. Or better yet, just use the community pool!
5. Sweep instead of using the hose to clean off the driveway, the sidewalk and the patio.
6. Do a leak inspection regularly on all faucets, pipes, and connectors both indoors and outdoors. Same goes for your sprinkler system. Check the heads if they're still in good shape.
7. Shower fast, keep it under five minutes tops. Use toiletries that are easy to rinse to avoid wasting water in the shower. Use a showerhead that doesn't let out too much water than you really need for showering. If it can fill up a gallon under 20 seconds, then it's a wasteful showerhead.
8. Always check your water meter. The water meter will be able to tell you if you've got a leak somewhere inside the house.
9. A dual flush toilet is another neat way to save on water. You have an option of releasing just half the amount of water it normally would for liquid waste.
10. Start a compost pile. It will hold more moisture in your soil so you won't need to water your plants as often. A compost will also save you from using the garbage disposal frequently and you will save more water this way.  

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