Living this close to the source of the Colorado River, with mountain snowpack all around, it is easy to forget that fresh water is the most precious resource we have. Droughts have become more frequent over the past few decades and supplies are more strained than they were, so it is worth doing our part. Using water more carefully, and keeping the plumbing in good order, saves the resource and lowers the water bill at the same time.
1. Fix leaking faucets and pipes
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste as much as 20 gallons a day. A leaking outdoor faucet or pipe can waste hundreds.
2. Repair leaking toilets
To find out whether a toilet is leaking, put a few drops of food colouring in the tank. If colour appears in the bowl within thirty minutes without anyone flushing, the toilet needs attention.
3. Upgrade to a dual-flush toilet
A dual-flush toilet can save an average household around 15,000 gallons a year. The extra water is there when it is needed, but most flushes use roughly 70 percent less. An existing toilet can often be fitted with a dual-flush converter rather than replaced outright.
4. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators
These are inexpensive, simple to fit, and save a surprising amount of water with very little noticeable difference at the tap. Our water saving products page covers the options.
5. Check for hidden leaks
Once the leaks you can see are fixed, look for the ones you cannot. Read the water meter, then leave the house alone for two hours with no water running, and read it again. If the number has moved, water is going somewhere it should not.
More ways to save
- Run full loads of laundry, or match the water level to the load. The permanent press cycle uses about five extra gallons every time.
- Use the dishwasher. Washing up by hand uses considerably more water. The EPA estimates an efficient dishwasher uses half as much, close to 5,000 gallons a year.
- Catch the cold water that runs while you wait for the shower or tap to warm up, and use it for plants or pet bowls. If your county allows it, a rain barrel on a downspout collects more than you would expect.
- Keep the toilet for what it is for. Tissues and other waste that could go in a bin cost up to seven gallons a flush.
- Sweep the drive and sidewalks rather than hosing them down.
- Cover hot tubs and pools so less is lost to evaporation.
- Compost food waste instead of running it through the disposal.
If you suspect a leak you cannot find, or you want help choosing fixtures, call Grand Lake Plumbing & Heating.
