Seven Water Saving Tips
There are multiple ways to help reduce our carbon footprint; one major way is to reduce our water consumption. Here are 7 water saving tips that you can practice in your home or office:
Replace old toilets. A study conducted by PMI and the Alliance for Water Efficiency estimated that replacing all the older inefficient toilets with water-efficient models would save about 360 billion gallons of water per year in the United States. If your toilet was manufactured before the implementation of the Energy Policy Act (EPAct) in 1994, there’s a good chance it uses water inefficiently. Today’s water-efficient toilets have earned high consumer satisfaction ratings, so there is no reason to be concerned about flushing power and cleanliness.
Replace or upgrade faucets. Faucets account for about 15% of indoor household water use, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). WaterSense faucets can reduce the water you use at sinks by at least 20%. Some faucets may be upgraded with an aerator to be made more water efficient.
Get a water-efficient showerhead. Showerheads use about 17% of the water in an average home, according to Home Depot. Swapping out your old showerhead for a new one can save water and money while providing outstanding performance and safety. Always be sure that the shower valve is sized to fit your showerhead.
Shorten the distance hot water travels. There’s nothing mysterious about it. The farther the heat source — whether a water heater, a heat pump or a boiler — is located from the outlet, the longer it takes the hot water to arrive. Water is wasted while you wait for the right temperature. One solution is a recirculating pump that moves hot water to the outlet while bringing cold water back to the heat source. In this scenario, water is not wasted because hot water is automatically pumped to the fixture before the consumer turns on the water. The pump is activated by a special switch or sensor.
Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth. The EPA says this simple practice saves as much as 3,000 gallons per year.
Cut outdoor water waste. The WaterSense label is not just for plumbing products, but also for irrigation controllers and irrigation-training programs for landscape professionals. The label identifies water-efficient products and verifies professional proficiency in water-efficient irrigation system design, installation, maintenance, and performance audits.
Water-Efficient Shower Systems. Multiple-showerhead systems should be specified responsibly, so that consumers can enjoy the showering experience they desire safely, reliably and efficiently. That means considering the total showering installation, including the energy used to heat and deliver the water. The ideal hot water distribution system has the smallest-possible pipe run from the source of the hot water to the fixture. All hot-water piping should be insulated, with a minimum of R-4 rating.
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Plumbing Manufacturers International