Save water, Fix leaks!
Leaking faucets, toilets, and outdoor irrigation systems contribute to water waste and cost you money. Even a tiny leak can waste thousands of gallons of water every month. By addressing easy-to-fix leaks around your home, you can save more than 10 percent of your water bill. A great way to catch leaks before they become an expensive problem is to install the EyeOnWater app.
To use your water meter to check for leaks, start by turning off all your water-using appliances, including your icemaker and evaporative cooler. Record the reading on your water meter. Wait for 30 minutes and check your meter reading again — if the reading has changed, you have a leak.
What are some examples of water leaks?
Dripping faucets and pipe leaks
Pipe leaks might require the help of a plumber, but dripping faucets are more obvious and an easy fix to conserve water. A leaky faucet dripping at one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons of water per year!
Toilet leaks
Toilet leaks are usually caused by an old, faulty toilet flapper. Test for toilet leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring or dye to the water in the tank. If the coloring appears in the bowl within a few minutes, you have a leak. Replacing the rubber flapper should fix the leak, and you can probably do it yourself with an inexpensive replacement part. Most of us have water-saving toilets, but if you don’t, you can save water by replacing an old model with a new water-conserving model. But even the newer models can waste water if there’s a leaky flapper valve or if the water level is not set properly.
Outdoor leaks
Fixing outdoor leaks can save you money too. Check your irrigation system before using it each spring and check your garden hose at its connection to the spigot. If it leaks when you run water, you need to replace the washer. To ensure a tight connection to the spigot, use pipe tape and a wrench.
How can I save water in my lawn and garden?
Reduce water waste by:
- Adding organic matter and mulch to the base of your plants to improve the water-holding capacity of your soil.
- Delivering water to the root zone. Use soaker hoses to ensure that up to 90 percent of the water you apply to your garden is available to your plants.
- Using rain barrels or a cistern to collect water from your downspouts. Rainwater is free!
- Choosing your plants carefully. Select drought-tolerant and pollinator-friendly plants to help your garden thrive in our arid climate.
- Reducing the size of your lawn. Most lawn grasses require a lot of water. You can save water and money if you use only native grasses and plant groundcovers or low-maintenance perennials instead.
- Taking care of your plants. If you remove weeds promptly, thin and prune your plants, and monitor for pests, you won’t need to water as often.
These are just some of the steps you can take to save water.
This article was posted by Alba Burch
