Can't understand why your sanitation bill has been high? You might have used more water during the billing period than previous cycles. Sanitation bills are based on household water usage. During times of drought, homes often use more water to water the lawn, plants and flowers. Follow these tips to stop your money from going down the drain!
Did you know that bathroom facilities claim nearly 75% of water usage? Check out the list below to see what you can do to help save money and the environment:
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Don't forget to flush as soon as the test is done, since food coloring may stain the tank.
If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
Skip the bath and take a shower. Baths can use 30 to 50 gallons of water. Showers only use five gallons of water per minute, less if a flow constrictor is installed.
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This seemingly small drip turns out to be a nasty problem for your wallet and the environment.
Don't run water while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home.
Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the size of load you are using.
When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don't let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.
Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste, instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals can add 50% to the volume of solids in the sewer system, and they can lead to problems with septic tanks.
Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
If you have a lawn, chances are this is what consumes the largest amount of water. Typically, at least 50% of water consumed by households is used outdoors.
- Watering and Mowing
Don't water your sidewalk, driveway or street - it doesn't need it. Position sprinklers to water only the grass and landscaping. Use a broom to sweep dirt off paved areas.
Be sure to turn off automatic sprinkler systems if a storm comes up during the sprinkling cycle.
Don't over water your lawn! Only water every third day. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering the lawn for up to two weeks. Buy a rain gauge and use it to determine how much rain your yard has received. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.
Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces water loss occurring from evaporation.
Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.
Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
- Landscaping
Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth. Water retaining basins also allow water to be concentrated around the plants.
Plant smart. Drought-efficient landscaping is a great way to design, install and maintain both your plants and irrigation system. Native plants are accustomed to the water levels of the area, eliminating the need for extra watering.
- Cars and Pools
Use a bucket of water and a spray head on the hose to wash your car. A running hose wastes over 100 gallons of water in the time it takes to wash the car.
Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single back-flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.
