Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and, for many of us, the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the scorching sun. It’s also the time when water use shoots up, straining this precious resource. If you’re a homeowner wanting to cut down on your environmental footprint (and maybe your water bills, too!), saving water during these hot months is key. Here are eight friendly tips from Dublin Plumbing & Drain to help you save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn, your garden’s beauty, or your comfort at home.
Practice Water Conservation This Summer by:
- Washing Your Fruits and Vegetables in a Large Bowl or Basin – Whether it’s the fresh strawberries from your garden or the spinach you snagged from the local farmers’ market, cleaning your produce is a must. Instead of running tap water over each fruit or veggie, fill a bowl with water and give them a good rinse there. This way, you’ll save water and can even reuse it to water your houseplants.
- Washing Your Dishes in the Dishwasher – Did you know that washing your dishes by hand can use up to 20 gallons of water? While some find hand-washing dishes therapeutic, it’s not always the most water-efficient method. Modern, energy-efficient dishwashers can use less water, about 4 gallons per load. If you prefer hand-washing, just avoid leaving the water running. Instead, fill one sink basin with wash water and the other with rinse water. It’s a simple way to save water and still get those dishes sparkling clean!
- Thawing Your Frozen Food in the Refrigerator – Planning ahead can help you save water at mealtimes. Instead of running water to thaw your frozen foods, try moving them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This method not only saves water but also ensures your foods thaw safely.
- Washing Your Laundry the Smart Way
- Be Sure to Wash Only Full Loads – Running your washing machine only when it’s fully loaded boosts its efficiency and helps conserve water and energy. This way, you can delay multiple washes and save gallons of water in the long run!
- Be Sure to Avoid the Permanent Press Setting (If Possible) – The permanent-press cycle adds an extra rinse to protect clothes, which uses more water. Unless it’s really necessary for certain garments, try to skip this setting whenever you can.
- Watering Your Garden and Lawn at Certain Times – Watering your garden in the heat of the day can cause a lot of water to evaporate. Instead, try watering your plants early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, the water reaches the roots where it’s needed most, giving your plants a better chance to soak up the moisture. Happy gardening!
- Covering Your Pool When It Is Not in Use – If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really help cut down on water loss from evaporation. Plus, a pool cover keeps your pool clean and cuts back on the need for chemicals.
- Layering Your Mulch Heavily in Your Garden Beds – Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about keeping weeds at bay; it’s also a fantastic way to retain soil moisture. A good layer of mulch shields 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 Your Leaky Plumbing 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. So, it’s a good idea to regularly check your indoor and outdoor fixtures for leaks and fix them promptly to save water and prevent wastage!
Implementing these tips can make a big difference in your water usage this summer. Remember, conserving water is not only great for the environment but also good for your wallet. By adopting these practices, you can enjoy a lush garden and a cozy home while doing your part to save a vital resource.
Call Dublin Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 547-9979 or schedule an appointment online now by Clicking here!