Ways of conserving water?

Question

I have to write an essay on ways of conserving water and the difference it can make?

Please Help!

Answer 1

1. Check for hidden water leaks

Read the house water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

2. Check your toilets for leaks

Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket

Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

4. Put plastic bottles in your toilet tank

To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, s***w the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.

For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.

Replacing an 18 liter per flush toilet with an ultra-low volume (ULV) 6 liter flush model represents a 70% savings in water flushed and will cut indoor water use by about 30%.

5. Insulate your water pipes.

It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

6. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators

Your local hardware or plumbing supply store has inexpensive water-saving shower heads or restrictors that are easy for the homeowner to install. Also, long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off.

Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!

7. Take shorter showers.

One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

8. Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush

There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

9. Rinse your razor in the sink

Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.

10. Check faucets and pipes for leaks

A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads

Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.

12. Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units

In sink 'garburators' require lots of water to operate properly, and also add considerably to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste.

13. When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing

If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water.

14. Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables

Just rinse them in a stoppered sink or a pan of clean water.

15. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.

Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful.

in the yard and garden...

16. Water your lawn only when it needs it

A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will promote water retention in the soil.

17. Deep-soak your lawn

When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount. Visit our natural lawn care page for more information.

18. Water during the cool parts of the day; avoid watering when it's windy

Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Watering early in the day is also the best defence against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

19. Use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns

You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel catchment systems and simple drip-irrigation systems.

20. Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants

Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.

21. Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants

Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth.

22. Don't water the gutter

Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

23. Don't run the hose while washing your car

Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing.

24. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

25. Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings

Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free. Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks.

Answer 2

Don't let the water run constantly when you brush your teeth, wash your hands, wash dishes. If you live alone, you can save a few gallons by not flushing the toilet each time you go (No. 2, flush!). When you water your plants, water them thoroughly so the water reaches down deep into the roots. This helps them develop deeper roots thus needing less water! You can also catch rain in a rain barrel and use that to water your plants.

Answer 3

you ca say that leaving the water off while you brush your teeth, or taking baths instead of showers, use hand sanitizer instead of having to use the water. use your water hose or sprinkler less often or on certian days.

Answer 4

re-use water!!

collect the rain off your rooftop into the largest containers you can. bathe or shower in this water (with friends or family), and then let water drain into flower or garden beds.

Answer 5

Using a septic tank system that recharges the local water table and using greywater from the home to water outdoor plants.

Answer 6

Tips for the Northwest

All | Indoor | Outdoor



#1.   There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.



#2.   When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.



#3.   Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.



#4.   Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.



#5.   Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.



#6.   Choose shrubs and groundcovers, instead of turf, for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.



#7.   Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.



#8.   Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.



#9.   Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.



#10.   For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.



#11.   Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.



#12.   Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.



#13.   Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.



#14.   Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.



#15.   Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.



#16.   If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.



#17.   Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.

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#18.   If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.



#19.   We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.



#20.   If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.



#21.   Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist 2 inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.



#22.   When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.



#23.   Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.



#24.   Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.



#25.   Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.



#26.   When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.



#27.   Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.



#28.   Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.



#29.   When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.



#30.   Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.



#31.   Collect water from your roof to water your garden.



#32.   Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number glasses to wash.



#33.   Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.



#34.   Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.



#35.   Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.



#36.   Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.



#37.   Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. Faucet repair can save up to 300 gallons a month.



#38.   Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.



#39.   When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

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#40.   Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.



#41.   Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.



#42.   Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.



#43.   Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.



#44.   Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.



#45.   Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.



#46.   Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.



#47.   To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeated two to three times.



#48.   Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.



#49.   Use a lawer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.



#50.   Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.



#51.   Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation, than those spraying water into the air.



#52.   Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.



#53.   Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.



#54.   Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.



#55.   Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.



#56.   Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.



#57.   Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.



#58.   Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.

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#59.   If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.



#60.   Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.



#61.   By selecting plants suited to your yard's conditions, you'll use less water and other resources.



#62.   Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.



#63.   Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.



#64.   If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.



#65.   Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water.



#66.   If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.



#67.   When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.



#68.   When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.



#69.   Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.



#70.   Bathe your young children together.



#71.   Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.



#72.   Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.



#73.   Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.



#74.   Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.



#75.   Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.



#76.   Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems towards water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.



#77.   Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.



#78.   Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.



#79.   Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.



#80.   Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.



#81.   If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.

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#82.   Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of re-fills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.



#83.   Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.



#84.   Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.



#85.   Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.



#86.   Let your lawn to go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.



#87.   Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.



#88.   Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.



#89.   Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.



#90.   Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.



#91.   One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.



#92.   Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.



#93.   Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.



#94.   Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.



#95.   When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.



#96.   Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.



#97.  Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather run off the surface.



#98.  When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.



#99.  Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.



#100.  Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.



#101.  When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.



#102.  If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.



#103.  To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.



#104.  While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.



#105.  When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your

landscaping.



#106.  For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.



#107.  Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent from using the garbage disposal.



#108.  When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.



#109.  Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.



#110.  Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.



#111.  When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.

Answer 7

Don't have leaking pipes, faucets.

Answer 8

do your own homework

Answer 9

While brushing your teeth, turn the water off!

Don't spend forever in the shower.

Answer 10

well there are allot of ways to conserve water here are a few of them,if you are a homeowner you should replace your faucet aerator and shower-head with environmentally friendly products.Homeowners you want to reduce your use it's not hard.Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks,so that every drop goes down you not the drain.Plant during the spring or fall when the water requirements are lower.Encourage the use of water conservation devices by large water-using facilities such as schools,health clubs,motels and others.Water conservation is stewardship of our natural resources.Water is the earth's most valuable resource we need to protect it.Water conservation also saves you money and water is finite resource and only 0.3 % is available for the world's population to share for agricultural,residential,manufacturing,c... and personal needs.While both world population and the demand on fresh water resources are increasing,supply remains constant.Water efficiency is the long term ethic of conserving water resources through the employment of water saving technologies.Through these practices,we will ensure that water will be available for future generations.

Answer 11

There are several ways;

1) fix all leaks this will reduce your water consumption

2) turn off the faucet when your not directly using the water

3) change your plumbing so that your  sink water, tub water go to a holding tank and this water is reused for toliet water instead of using clean water for toliet water.

4) don't water your grass if it can't live without you watering it shouldn't be there or its not hearty enough

5)take shorter showers

6) Do a hole lot of dishes at once instead of small amounts.

A good source for citing would be Marsh, I can't remember the rest of it but its Environmental planning or something like that

Hope that helps

Answer 12

Take a shower instead of a bath

Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and turn it on when you need to rinse

Wash dishes by hand instead of a dishwasher

Do laundry only when you have a full load.

Fix faucet drips immediately

Check your toilets to see is the seal is still good.  Drop a few drops of food coloring in the tank.  Check the toilet bowl after about 15 minutes and if the color has shown up you need to replace the seal in the toilet tank.

Water you lawn and plants in the evening  better yet only plant grasses and plants that are native to your region.

Wash you car only when it needs it and take it to a self serve car wash.  That hose you keep running will waste a lot of water.

There are a lot more ways to conserve water but these are some really easy ideas that everyone can do.  It results in conserving water and it also lowers you water bill.

Put buckets under your rain spout and collect the water.  Use that water to water you plants.

Answer 13

Stop wasting, shorter showers, stop running the.........