Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and, for many of us, the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the summer sun. It’s also the season when water consumption spikes, putting a strain on this precious resource and our water bills. For homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint and maybe even lower their water bills, conserving water during these hot months is key. Here are eight practical tips from Lebanon Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn and garden’s beauty or your comfort at home.
Conserve water by:
Washing Your Produce
Whether it’s the fresh tomatoes from your garden or any other produce you picked up at the local farmers’ market or grocery store, cleaning your produce is a must. But instead of just running tap water over each fruit or veggie, try filling a bowl or large container with water and giving them a rinse in there. This way, you not only save water but can also reuse it to water your houseplants.
Washing Your Dishes
Did you know that washing your dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water? While washing dishes by hand can be a soothing activity for some, it isn’t always the most water-efficient method. Dishwashers, especially modern, energy-efficient ones, often use less water than washing the same load by hand. Most energy-efficient models use around 4 gallons of water. However, if you need to wash some items by hand, try not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Thawing Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can help you save water at mealtimes! Instead of using running water to thaw your frozen foods, try moving them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This not only saves water but also ensures your foods thaw safely.
Doing Laundry
- Wash Only Full Loads – Running your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded makes it super efficient, saving both water and energy. Plus, it means fewer washes, which ultimately conserves gallons of water!
- Avoid Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle adds an extra rinse to protect your clothes, which uses more water. Unless it’s really necessary to keep your garments in top shape, try to skip this setting whenever you can.
Watering Your Garden
Watering your garden during the heat of the day can lead to a lot of water loss due to evaporation. Instead, to make sure the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most, try watering your plants either early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, you’ll give your plants a much better chance to soak up the moisture they need.
Covering Your Pool
If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really help reduce water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover keeps your pool cleaner and cuts down on the need for chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch
Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about keeping weeds at bay; it’s also a fantastic way to retain soil moisture. A good layer of mulch will shield the soil from the sun, keeping it cool and cutting down on evaporation. This means you’ll water less often and enjoy a happier, healthier garden.
Fixing Leaking Fixtures
A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them promptly. It’s in your best interest!
When you implement these tips, it can make a big difference in your water consumption this summer. Remember, saving water is not only great for the environment but also good for your wallet. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy a lush garden and a cozy home while knowing you’re doing your part to conserve a vital resource.
Call Lebanon Plumbing & Drain today at (513) 427- 2443, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!