Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the hot sun. It’s also when water use spikes, straining this precious resource. Homeowners who want to reduce their environmental impact and lower their water bills should focus on conserving water during these hot months. Here are eight practical tips from Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn, garden, or comfort at home.
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
Cleaning your produce is essential. Instead of rinsing each item under tap water, fill a bowl with water and wash your produce there. This method conserves water and can be reused to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand
Washing dishes by hand can be therapeutic for some, but it’s not always water-efficient. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers often use less water, about 4 gallons per load. In contrast, washing dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons. If you must wash by hand, fill one sink with wash water and another with rinse water instead of leaving the tap running.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can help you save water at meal times. Instead of running water to thaw frozen foods, move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This method saves water and ensures safe thawing.
Doing Laundry with the Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Only run your washing machine when it’s fully loaded. This maximizes efficiency and conserves both water and energy, ultimately saving gallons of water by reducing the number of washes needed.
- Avoid the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle uses extra water due to an additional rinse cycle. Unless it’s essential for maintaining your clothes, try to avoid this setting to save water.
Watering Your Garden or Lawn in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden during the heat of the day causes significant water loss due to evaporation. To ensure the water reaches the roots, water your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. This gives your plants a better chance to absorb the moisture.
Keeping Your Pool Covered
If you have a pool, covering it when not in use can greatly reduce water loss from evaporation. Also, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and reduces the need for chemicals. It’s such an easy step, but it can make a big difference!
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds does more than control weeds; it helps retain soil moisture. A good layer of mulch reduces sun exposure, keeping the soil cool and cutting down on evaporation. This means you’ll water less often, and your garden will be healthier and happier.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away
A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or a constantly running toilet can waste a lot of water over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check and promptly repair any leaks in your indoor and outdoor fixtures.
These simple steps can significantly reduce your water use this summer. Remember, conserving water is important for the environment and can save you money. By following these tips, you can enjoy a green garden and a comfortable home while helping to conserve a vital resource.
Call Five Star Cincinnati Plumbing today at (513) 204-9944, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
