Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and for many of us, the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden amidst the head of Ohio. It’s also when water use spikes, putting a strain on this precious resource. For homeowners wanting to shrink their environmental footprint and maybe cut down their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is key. So, we are here to provide you with eight practical tips from Fairborn Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer.
Conserve Water This Summer with These 8 Practical Tips:
Rinse Your Produce in a Large Container
Whether it’s fresh strawberries from your garden or spinach from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is a must. But instead of rinsing each fruit or veggie under the tap, fill a bowl with water and wash them there. This method saves water, and you can even reuse it to water your houseplants. So, it’s a win- all around.
Don’t Wash All of Your Dishes by Hand
Did you know that washing dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water? While some people find it therapeutic, it’s not the most water-efficient way to do it. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers usually use around 4 gallons of water per load. If you need to wash some items by hand, try not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Thaw Your Frozen Food Beforehand
Planning ahead can save you water during mealtimes. Instead of using running water to thaw your frozen foods, just move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This method not only saves water but also ensures your foods thaw safely.
Wash Your Laundry with Intention
- Try to Wash Only Full Loads – You should only run your washing machine when it’s full to get the most efficiency. This saves both water and energy and delays multiple washes, ultimately conserving gallons of water.
- Try to Skip the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent press cycle adds an extra rinse to protect clothes, which uses more water. So, unless you really need it for specific garments, you should try to avoid using this setting.
Water Your Garden in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden in the middle of the day can waste a lot of water because it evaporates quickly. To make sure the water gets to the roots where it’s needed, try watering your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, your plants get a better chance to soak up the moisture.
Keep Your Pool Covered
If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and cuts down on the need for chemicals.
Layer Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds isn’t just for weed control; it’s also perfect for keeping soil moisture in check. A good layer of mulch cuts down on sun exposure, keeps the soil cool, and reduces evaporation. That means less watering for you and a happier, healthier garden.
Fix Leaky Fixtures Right Away
A dripping or leaking plumbing fixture or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them quickly if you discover a leak.
Implementing these tips can make a significant difference in your water consumption this summer. Keep in mind that conserving water is not only crucial for the environment but also beneficial for your wallet. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy a green garden and a comfortable home while knowing you’re doing your part to conserve a vital resource.
Call Fairborn Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 240-3116 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!