Water is something we all consum.
We wash with it and flush it away. So how can we cut back on how much it costs us.
Starting in the kitchen try these tips to minimize what you use.
Contrary to popular belief, it is more efficient to use your dish washer than doing dishes by hand. Keep in mind these helpful hints, do not pre-rinse your dishes.
Scrape the food into the garbage or preferably into a compost bucket and then let the dishwasher do it’s job. Also only run it through when it is full.
For your cold drinking water keep a jug in the fridge.
It’s ready when you want a glass and you do not waste water by running the tap. The same goes for hot water, heat it in the microwave or on the stove.
A faucet aerator will reduce the water flow coming from your taps without effecting the water pressure.
They simple attach to the bottom of your faucet.
If you get the style that can swivel you can direct the water to where you want it.
For around the house you can look into a tankless hot water heater. These are great for cutting costs.
Unlike the old hot water tanks that keep the water hot all the time, these only kick in when you need how water. That is why they are referred to as on-demand water heaters.
You can also insulate your hot water pipes with foam insulation to prevent heat loss.
With the older style of water heaters you can get a blanket to go on them that does the same thing.
In the bathroom install a low-flow toilet. They use way less water than the older type with only one flush option. If you do not want to replace your toilet right now there are conversion kits out there that will make your older style toilet function as a low-flow one.
Check your toilet and all the taps in your house for leaks.
You can lose a huge amount of water from a leak, you do not want to see your money just going down the drain.
Taking a shower uses up less water than a bath as long as you do not go for extra long showers lasting over 15 minutes. Try for a five minute shower.
Add in a low-flow shower head and you are in business. Now while your are shaving or brushing your teeth, turn off the taps.
For shaving, fill the sink with what you need; for your teeth, fill a glass to rinse with.
Laundry is a never ending job in some homes.
To help cut back on water use and your housework, try wearing things twice.
When the time comes to replace your washer, get a high-efficiency one. They use less power and have sensors to only use the minimum amount of water needed to wash your clothes.
Remember to only run full loads through as well, one pair of jeans is not a full load, even if they are your favorite ones.
Try out some of the above ideas and watch your bills decrease.
Sandra Nolan is a freelance writer from Rocky Mountain House. Her column will appear every other week in LIFE. Contact her at slnolan@xplornet.com