Water conservation is a “hot” topic these days, as many states in the U.S. face water shortages. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has worked hard over the past couple of years to instill the belief in everyone that we need to take conserving water seriously. They have developed strategies and driven federal water efficiency requirements to get people to make water conservation a way of life.
Did you know the population of the United States has doubled over the past 50 years? And our need and use of water during this same period of time has tripled! (Source: EPA)
In past blog posts and social media posts, we have talked about leaky faucets and leaking toilets and it’s always shocking to hear how much water is wasted in the average household every year. That wasted water translates to two very important things – wasted resources that are already becoming scarce and higher water bills.
Here are some great plumbing and water conservation tips that will help you do your part in conserving water and helping our country stay ahead of the curve:
- Don’t use excessive amounts of detergents, bleach or chemicals that may kill the natural bacteria in your septic system.
- Use biodegradable soaps and detergents.
- To prevent excessive watering of your lawn in the summertime, purchase an inexpensive spring-loaded timer which attaches directly to your outside faucet. This will prevent overwatering in case you forget to shut off the sprinkler.
- Water pressure in your home above 60 pounds per square inch is harmful to your plumbing system and will cause excessive water usage. Contact Marlin and schedule a twelve point plumbing inspection check which includes a system pressure test. If it exceeds 60 pounds, consider installing a pressure reducing valve that will limit the water pressure within your home.
- Check your water meter during a period of time when no water is being used. Make a note of the meter reading and check it 8 to 10 hours later. If the meter has moved, there is an indication that you may have an undetected water leak, which should be corrected.
- Leaky toilets consume more than 40% of your total water usage. Installation of a new toilet flapper and fill valve will keep your toilet running efficiently.
- Conserve energy by checking the temperature setting on your water heater. It should not be above 120°F or medium setting on older models.
- Replacing an old shower head can save up to 7.5 gallons of water per minute without sacrificing full spray action at low or high water pressures.
- A leaky faucet that drips once per second can waste more than 8 gallons a day. That’s 3,000 gallons per year!
These all are very simple steps on the road to water conservation. Everyone can do it!
For more information on how we can help you save BIG this season, contact us NOW: (602) 470-1040
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