Much of the country has suffered a difficult drought this year. Water conservation has become essential across the US, even in places like Minnesota where we are surrounded by water. In addition to saving money, water conservation helps prevent water pollution in our lakes and rivers.
Water Conservation Facts
- Most people in the US use 50 to 70 gallons of water indoors each day
- 75% of all indoor water use is in the bathroom
- The toilet accounts for 28% of water use in the average home
Water Conservation Suggestions
1. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
Inexpensive water-saving low-flow shower heads or restrictors are easy to install. Also, you can fit your faucets with aerators. These are the best home water conservation methods and also the cheapest!
2. Install low-flush toilets
In many of our projects, our clients consider buying “low flush” toilets that use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons. These products can cut total indoor water use by about 30%.
3. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer wisely
Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water use. Most dishwashing soap makers recommend not pre-rinsing dishes – a big water savings. With clothes washers, avoid the permanent press cycle. It uses 5 gallons more water for the extra rinse.
4. When washing dishes by hand, don’t keep the water running for rinsing
If you have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device.
As we create your new kitchen or bathroom, ask our design team how we can help save money and help keep our MN lakes and rivers clean and healthy.