Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden despite the scorching Ohio sun. It’s also when water use skyrockets, putting a strain on this precious resource. If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint (and maybe lower your water bills), conserving water during these hot months is essential. Here are eight practical tips from Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without sacrificing the beauty of your lawn and garden or your comfort at home.
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container: Whether it’s the fresh strawberries from your garden or the spinach you grabbed from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is a must. Instead of running tap water over each fruit or veggie, fill up a bowl with water and rinse them there. This not only saves water, but you can also reuse it to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand: While washing dishes by hand can be relaxing for some, it’s not always the most water-efficient way to go. Did you know washing dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water on average? However, dishwashers, especially modern, energy-efficient ones, can actually use less water than doing the same load by hand. Most energy-efficient dishwashers use about 4 gallons of water. But if you do need to wash some items by hand, try not to leave the water running. Do this by filling one sink or basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food: Planning ahead can save you water when it comes to meal times. Rather than using running water to thaw your frozen foods, opt to transfer them from the freezer to the refrigerator the night before you need them. Not only does this method save water, but it also ensures your foods thaw safely.
Doing Laundry with the Intention:
- Wash Only Full Loads: Run your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded to maximize efficiency. This conserves both water and energy, delaying the need for multiple washes and saving gallons of water.
- Avoid the Permanent Press Setting: The permanent-press cycle uses an extra rinse to protect clothes, which means more water. So, unless it’s really necessary to maintain the integrity of your garments, try to avoid this setting.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening: Watering your garden in the heat of the day can waste a lot of water because of evaporation. To make sure the water gets to the roots where it’s needed, try watering early in the morning or late in the evening. This way, your plants have a better chance to soak up the moisture.
Keeping Your Pool Covered: If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and cuts back on the need for chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds: Mulching your garden beds isn’t just for weed control; it’s also awesome for keeping soil moisture in check. A good layer of mulch will shield the soil from the sun, keeping it cool and cutting down on evaporation. This means less watering for you and a happier, healthier garden.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away: A dripping faucet, a leaking outdoor spigot, or even a constantly running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water over time. That’s why it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them promptly.
Using these tips can really impact your water use this summer. Remember, saving water is not only good for the environment but also helps you save money. By following these practices, you can enjoy a green garden and a comfy home while doing your bit to conserve this vital resource.
Call Cincinnati Plumbing & Drain at (513) 463 – 6947, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!
