Living in California means conserving water is ALWAYS a priority. Even in the winter or rainy season (if we get one!) Water saving is our new norm. What does saving water mean to you? Shivering while shampooing your hair in a cold shower? It doesn’t have to be that painful! Here are 4 water saving tips that are easy and don’t include, “letting yellow mellow”.
1-Fix your leaks
Did you know leaks are one of the highest uses of water? “The EPA estimates that the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year.” This is enough water to wash 270 loads of laundry! A quick way to save some water is check for any drips, running toilets and broken sprinkler lines. These little drips over time waste tons of precious water. Wasting you money and California’s badly needed water.
Check out the EPA’s website for more tricks and tips in locating and eliminating these leaks. (Also, a local plumber can provide a leak audit. You may have leaks that you didn’t know about!)
2-Update your out of date fixtures
With new laws and building codes forcing us to do this anyway, it is time to just replace those out dated faucets, shower heads and toilets. I recommend meeting or beating current building standards.
Current CA Building standards
- Toilets- 1.28 GPM
- Residential faucets- 1.5 GPM
- Kitchen Faucets- 1.8 GPM
- Shower heads- 2.0 GPM
Tips- Think about a sensor faucet for those kids who just won’t turn off the water while brushing their teeth or Dual flush toilets to save even more.
Someone asked me this week if they could just pay the fine and not have to deal with these new laws. That’s not how this works. This new law is being adapted into the building code and this is now part of the building permit process. Just like they inspect your electrical or check for smoke detectors. If you pull a permit you must comply!
3-Change to Tank-less Water Heaters & Add recirculating water pumps
Not only do these save water but they get your hot water to you faster. Saving you even more energy, water and time. Win, win! Did you realize you could save up to 64 Gallons a day and $80.45 a year? (these were calculations for my own home. Check yours out at Riannai.us)
4-Grey Water & Rain water
Think of ways you can use and re-use water. Try using dish water or shower water for you garden. Grey water is water that has been gently used for bathroom sinks, showers, and washing machines. Many plumbers are now building systems to save and re-use this water for landscaping or other needs. Many city’s already have systems in place for city watering.
Thinking of jumping into the idea of a grey water garden? Do a little research first. You will need to watch the ingredients in your soaps. Many products are bad for your plants. If you use your current soaps you may end up with a garden that looks like I tended it. (I have a VERY black thumb! I have killed Ivy and I’m told they are impossible to kill!) I’m never one to back down from a challenge. 😉
Need help finding the right water saving products for you? Give us a call. We would love to help you and your family make it thru this drought and saving into the future.