Summer is in full swing! Here in the Central Valley of California, the climate is dry and hot. It’s certainly not unusual to see residential water use rise during the summer season as many people increase their irrigation of dry lawns and landscaping, fill seasonal pools, and cool off with sprinklers. If you’re not mindful of your water usage during the summer months, you may be shocked to see your water bill! At Plumbers911, we know you care about how much water you use, and how much it costs you. By saving water this summer, you can help conserve this precious resource, and you can save money at the same time!
Plumbers 911 Tips to Save Water this Summer
1. Water Wise While Outside
Water evaporates quickly when the sun is high, so it’s best to water your lawn in the early morning or in the evening, when it’s more likely to stay in the soil. Also, check the direction of your sprinklers, to make sure your sprinkler system is watering the lawn, not the sidewalk. Want to go a step further? Consider installing a drip irrigation system! Drip irrigation sends targeted amounts of water exactly where you want it.
2. Check your Plumbing for Leaks
Leaky faucets, toilets, appliances and sprinklers can waste a lot of water over time. Check your toilet for leaks with a simple test: put a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet into your toilet tank; if the color shows up in the bowl, your tank is leaking. It could be wasting up to 100 gallons of water a day! Fix those leaks, and save water and money.
3. Shorten your Showers
Showers use as much as 80% less water than a bath, but keep your shower short if you want to maximize your water savings. A shower for five minutes will use about 10 to 15 gallons of water, while a bath can use up to 70 gallons of water.
4. Turn the Tap Off While you Brush
Leaving the water running while you brush teeth is a huge water-waster, so try turning the tap off while you brush. By turning off the water while you are brushing your teeth, you could save more than 200 gallons of water in a single month! (EPA)
5. Wash Laundry and Dishes Wisely
Washing machines and dishwashers can use up gallons of water, so it’s important to make sure you use these appliances wisely. Wait until you have enough for a full load before you run the machine, this will save you water, as well as electricity. If you need to wash a smaller load, adjust the water level on the machine accordingly.
Take these simple steps and you can save water this summer, and save on your water bill. If you want to take your efforts one step further, consider purchasing water-efficient faucets, laundry washers, toilets and dishwashers. Making the move to purchase water- and energy-efficient appliances will save you not only on your water bill, but also on your electricity bill. You may even be eligible for a program to help pay the expense of switching over!
Want Help Saving Water? Contact Plumbers911!
Plumbers911 is a nationwide network of experienced, trustworthy plumbing experts. If you are in California’s Central Valley, we have plumbers near you in Tracy, Fresno, Stockton, and Modesto. No matter where you are in the Central Valley, our plumbing professionals can check your home for leaks or any other sources of wasted water. Have a different plumbing issue? We can help with that too! Don’t hesitate to give us a call – Call Plumbers911 today!
