According to The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average American family uses about 400 gallons of water a day. Conservation of precious water resources requires action from water consumers, and individuals are looking for ways to protect our planet’s future by reducing water usage and waste. Luckily, small adjustments made by every one of us can have a substantial impact when it comes to saving water.
Here are a few facts about average water usage at home (according to the USGS):
Shower ~ 2-5 gallons/minute
Bath ~ 36 gallons/full tub
Toilet Flush ~ 2 gallons/flush
Teeth Brushing/Face Washing/Face Shaving ~ 1 gallon
Dishwasher ~ 6-16 gallons/cycle
Hand Washing Dishes ~ 8-27 gallons
Washing Machine ~ 25 gallons/load
* Note – These numbers are averages and are dependent on the efficiency of the appliance/device being used.
Interested to see roughly how much water you use in your home each day? Check out this calculator from the USGS.
Here are a few simple tips for reducing your “water footprint”:
1. Change the toilet and reduce flushing.
Toilet flushing is the highest use of water in the average household, taking up about 31% of overall household water consumption, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. One of the top ways to be more efficient with water is to change your toilet to a dual flushing model. These toilets allow you to use more water per flush only when needed and are also designed to hold less water in the tank.
2. Address leaks immediately.
Did you know that even just a slow drip from a leaky pipe or faucet can waste over 15 gallons of water each day? If you notice an unexpected spike in your water bill, it may be due to a leak in your plumbing. Our technicians at Plumbing Experts specialize in pipe and irrigation system inspections, and can help you identify problems that could lead to water damage and wasted water consumption.
3. Use a faucet aerator.
A faucet aerator is a small part that screws into the bottom of your faucet to help reduce water flow. These devices break up water flow into multiple streams, while adding air in between. This greatly reduces the volume of water flowing from your faucet without compromising the feeling of a high-pressure flow. On average, they help ton reduce water flow by 1.5 gallons/minute.
4. Don’t leave the tap running.
This one might be one of the most obvious, but most often neglected. Ensure you turn the tap off when doing small, quick bathroom tasks, such as brushing your teeth, washing your face and shaving. Also, be mindful in the kitchen while hand-washing dishes by turning off the water when possible
5. Upgrade your appliances.
Obviously, it’s not every day that you’re in the market for a new dishwasher or washing machine. But if you have old appliances, chances are they are water-guzzlers. Newer machines utilize smart technology that products the same results, using much less water and electricity. Consider the upfront cost of replacing your appliances, with the cost savings you’ll expect to see each month with less waste.
Plumbing Experts encourages you to go green and reduce your “water-footprint”! If you would like to speak to a specialist about anything from upgrading your appliances to addressing leaks and plumbing issues, give us a call at Palm Beach (561) 279-2460 or Broward (954) 786-0477 or contact us here.
