Summer means long, sunny days, backyard BBQs, and the challenge of keeping your garden green under that scorching sun. Plus, it’s the time when everyone’s using more water, which isn’t great for our planet or our wallets. Looking to be more eco-friendly and maybe save some cash on water bills? Conserving water during these hot months is key. Here are eight easy tips from Pickerington Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without giving up a lush lawn or garden and still staying comfortable.
You Can Conserve Water in These Areas:
Rinsing Produce
If you buy lots of fresh produce, you know how much rinsing and washing is involved to get it ready to eat. Instead of just running them under tap water, why not fill a basin with water and rinse them there? The great thing about this method is that is not only saves water – you can also use that water for your houseplants later, so nothing goes to waste.
Washing Dishes
Did you realize that when you wash dishes by hand, you might be using up to 20 gallons of water? Washing dishes by hand can feel therapeutic to some, right? But it’s not always great for saving water. Believe it or not, modern, energy-efficient dishwashers can actually use less water than doing the same load by hand. Yup, those energy-saving dishwashers? They only use about 4 gallons of water. But if you’ve got to wash some items by hand, try not to let the water just run. Instead, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. If you do not have a double-sided sink, try using a basin.
Thawing Food
Planning ahead can really help you save water come mealtime. Instead of letting water run to thaw your frozen foods, why not just move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before? It’s not just about saving water, but doing it this way thaws your food safely as well.
Doing Laundry
- Make sure to only run your washing machine when it’s full. Running partial loads of laundry will only waste water. Plus, washing full loads means fewer washes and less time spent doing your laundry.
- Skip the permanent press setting. While this option does protect your clothes with an extra rinse, but it also means using more water. So, unless you have certain fabrics that can really benefit from, it’s best to avoid using this setting when possible.
Watering the Lawn & Plants
If you keep watering your garden in the middle of the day when the sun is at all-time high, you’re going to lose a lot of water to evaporation. So, try watering your plants early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler. This way, the water gets right to the roots where it’s needed most, giving your plants a solid shot at soaking up all that moisture.
Covering the Pool
If you’ve got a pool, tossing a cover on it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, it keeps your pool clean and means you don’t have to use as many chemicals to keep it clean.
Layering the Mulch
Putting heavy layers of mulch in your garden beds is a game changer, and it’s not just about keeping those weeds at bay. With a good layer of mulch, you’re shielding the soil from the harsh sun, keeping things chill and cutting down on how much you need to water. So, less work for you and a thriving garden to boot!
Fixing Leaking Fixtures
Have you noticed a dripping faucet, a leaky outdoor spigot, or a toilet that won’t stop running in your home? You’d be surprised at how much water can be wasted over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for any leaks and fix them quickly.
Trying out these tips could really help cut down your water use this summer. Remember, saving water is not just good for the planet, it’s also great for your bank account. By sticking to these tips, you can keep your garden lush and your home cozy, all while playing your part in saving this super important resource.
Call Pickerington Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 350-1955, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
