25 Ways To Save H20

It sure is getting hot here in Arizona!  As a rule, most of us Arizonans know we are supposed to conserve water—this time of year, especially. However, most of us, if asked, could probably think of only a handful of ways to save water at home.  

So, we did a little research to get your family moving on conservation. Here are twenty-five ways you can save water today: 

1. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
2. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes in you and not down the drain.
3. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
4. If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
5. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
6. Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
7. Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
8. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
9. Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while under-watering others.
10. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
11. Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
12. Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
13. Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
14. Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
15. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.
16. Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
17. Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
18. Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
19. Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
20. Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
21. When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
22. If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant or pet dish instead.
23. Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn’t allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
24. Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
25. If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. 

Did we miss something? How does your family conserve water? Let us know in the comment section below.

For a complete list of water saving tips, visit: www.wateruseitwisely.com.