Summer is just about here, and so are all the outdoor summer activities and yard work that comes along with the season. Don’t let the summer heat drive up your water usage and, as a result, your water bills. You can trust your Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain to help you make the most of your resources while keeping your home and garden in top shape, and without sacrificing your fun-filled summer. So, without further ado, here are eight practical tips to help you cut back on your water usage this season.
Using a Bowl to Rinse Your Produce
If your family is a big fan of eating fresh produce, then you know the importance of rinsing and washing all produce before it is eaten. To help cut back on water usage, try rinsing them in a large bowl instead of under running water. This not only conserves water but also provides a two-fold purpose as you can recycle the water don’t forget to hydrate your indoor plants.
Being Wary of Your Laundry Habits
- Aim to wash full loads of laundry only. Washing partial or small loads of laundry is not the most water-efficient method. Try to stick to washing full loads when you can,
- Avoid using the permanent-press setting. This setting requires an extra rinse cycle. So, unless you need to utilize this setting to maintain the integrity of a certain garment, try to stay away from using this setting.
Optimizing Dishwashing Practices
While hand-washing dishes can be therapeutic, it isn’t always the most water-efficient method. On average, hand-washing dishes can use up to 20 gallons of water, while most energy-efficient dishwashers typically use around 4 gallons of water. However, if you must hand wash your dishes, be sure to turn off the tap while scrubbing so as not to waste water. You can also use one side of your sink for rinsing and one for washing, utilizing wash basins if you do not have a two-sided sink.
Efficient Meal Planning
If you like to keep meals or meat in your freezer as part of your meal planning process – great! Just make sure to plan ahead and remove them from the freezer to fridge beforehand. The method of letting running water thaw your frozen food only drives up your water usage. A good rule of thumb is to move them to the fridge the day before. But this also depends on the type of food you are thawing.
Timing Your Gardening
Watering your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce water evaporation is an effective strategy. This way the water reaches the roots, where it’s needed most, instead of immediately evaporating when being watered during the heat of the day.
Investing in a Pool Cover
If you own a pool, covering it when it’s not in use can significantly minimize evaporation. Additionally, it also helps maintain cleanliness of the pool, and reduces the need for putting in chemicals as often.
Mulching Your Garden Beds
Heavily applying a robust layer of mulch not only helps with weed control but also retains soil moisture, reducing the need for constant watering. So, if you have garden beds, consider putting down an extra layer of mulch to increase moisture retention and decrease water consumption.
By adopting these practices, you can substantially reduce your water usage this summer. Remember, saving water isn’t just about environmental stewardship; it also alleviates your budget.
Call Huber Heights Plumbing & Drain today at (937) 764-3381, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!