50 Innovative Strategies for Domestic Water Conservation

Water is an indispensable resource, yet it's often taken for granted. With drought conditions intensifying in many parts of the country, it's imperative to adopt water conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of these dry spells. A severe drought can have devastating consequences, and while humans can survive weeks without food, water deprivation can become critical in just a matter of days. Here, we explore a variety of tactics to conserve water, categorized under the acronym W.A.T.E.R.: Waste reduction, Application adjustments, Teaching others, Economizing usage, and Reclamation of water.

Waste Reduction: Preventing Unnecessary Water Loss

• Fix Leaky Faucets: A dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Regularly check and repair any leaks. EPA
• Inspect Toilet Flappers: A leaky flapper can waste up to 200 gallons of water daily. Replace it if necessary.
• Water Meter Check: Monitor your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is used. If the meter changes, there may be a leak.

Application Adjustments: Rethinking Water Use

• Shower Bucket: Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water, which can be used for flushing toilets or watering plants.
• Full Loads Only: Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full to maximize water efficiency.
• Water-Saving Appliances: Invest in ENERGY STAR-rated appliances that use less water and energy.

Teaching: Spreading Water Conservation Awareness

• Educate Family Members: Teach children and other family members about the importance of water conservation.
• Community Involvement: Participate in local water conservation programs and encourage neighbors to do the same.

Economizing: Using Less Water Where Necessary

• Shorter Showers: Aim for showers that last no longer than 5 minutes.
• Turn Off Taps: Don't let the faucet run while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Use a Broom: Clean driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose.

Reclamation: Capturing and Reusing Water

• Rainwater Harvesting: Install rain barrels to collect rainwater for non-potable uses like irrigation.
• Greywater Systems: Consider installing a greywater system to reuse water from showers and sinks for landscaping.

In-Depth Water-Saving Tips

• Fire Safety: Preventing fires saves water needed for firefighting. Install smoke detectors and practice safe cooking habits.
• Toilet Tank Tricks: Place a filled water bottle in the toilet tank to reduce the amount of water used per flush.
• Selective Flushing: Adopt the "If it's yellow, let it mellow; if it's brown, flush it down" policy to save water.
• Low-Flow Toilets: Replace old toilets with low-flow models to significantly reduce water usage. EPA WaterSense
• Rain Barrels: Collect and store rainwater for garden use. Ensure barrels are covered to prevent mosquito breeding.
• AC Condensation: Use condensation from air conditioners to water plants.
• Squeeze-Handle Shower Heads: Use shower heads with a shut-off valve to pause water flow while soaping up.
• Faucet Aerators: Install low-flow aerators on faucets to reduce water flow without sacrificing pressure.
• Liquid Soap: Use liquid soap for quicker lathering and less water usage when washing hands.
• Spray Bottles: Keep a spray bottle near the sink for quick rinsing, reducing faucet use.
• Disposable Gloves: Use gloves for messy tasks to avoid extra handwashing.
• Disposable Dishes: Use paper plates and utensils during severe droughts to avoid dishwashing.
• Sink Jugs: Capture tap water while waiting for it to heat up and use it for watering plants or cleaning.
• Consolidate Activities: Combine activities that cause sweating to reduce the need for multiple showers.
• Waterless Car Wash: Use waterless car wash products to clean vehicles without water.
• Disposable Paint Brushes: Use disposable brushes for painting projects to avoid water use for cleaning.
• Lawn Care: Water lawns sparingly and only during the coolest parts of the day to minimize evaporation.
• Faucet Maintenance: Regularly check and replace worn faucet washers to prevent drips.
• Efficient Dishwashing: Wait until you have a full load before running the dishwasher.
• Laundry Loads: Only wash full loads of laundry, and consider handwashing small items.
• Sink Soaking: Use the sink for soaking dishes and handwashing to save water.
• Well Installation: If feasible, install a well to reduce reliance on municipal water supplies.
• Measured Rinsing: Use small cups for toothbrush rinsing to control water use.
• Share Conservation Tips: Spread water-saving tips to friends and family.
• Aquarium Considerations: Avoid setting up new aquariums unless they can be maintained with non-potable water.
• Microwave Water Heating: Heat water in the microwave instead of running the tap for hot water.
• Shaving Cup: Use a cup of water for rinsing razors instead of running the tap.
• Skip Showers: When not dirty, skip showers to save water.
• Children's Bathing: Allow children to skip baths occasionally if they are not dirty.
• Pet Care: Use baking soda for pet grooming to extend time between baths.
• Microwaved Washcloths: Use a microwaved, damp washcloth for quick clean-ups.
• Paper Towel Drying: Dry off with paper towels after a sponge bath to avoid laundry.
• Kiddie Pool Collection: Use kiddie pools to collect rainwater for various uses.
• Solar Showers: Use solar-heated water for outdoor showers.
• Swimming Pool Management: Use existing pool water for non-potable purposes during water shortages.
• Meter Leak Checks: Regularly check your water meter for signs of leaks.
• Toilet Leak Tests: Use food coloring to test for toilet leaks and replace faulty components.
• Tarp Collection: Set up tarps to funnel rainwater into collection containers.
• Frozen Water Bottles: Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs and drink the melted water.
• Restaurant Water: Decline water at restaurants if you won't drink it.
• Dish Wiping: Wipe dishes with newspaper instead of rinsing before placing them in the dishwasher.
• Pet Pre-Wash: Let pets lick clean dishes before washing to reduce water use.
• Cooking Foil: Line pans with foil to reduce the need for washing.
• Bulk Water Purchases: Buy distilled water in gallon jugs instead of smaller bottles.
• Pump Sprayers: Use pump sprayers for watering plants or cleaning with collected water.
• Waterless Hand Cleaners: Use waterless hand cleaners like Go Jo for cleaning hands without water.
• In-Line Water Heaters: Install in-line water heaters to save energy and water.
• Swiffer Mops: Use Swiffer or similar products instead of traditional mops to save water.
• Laundry Re-Wear: Re-wear lightly used clothing to reduce laundry frequency.
• General Safety: Prevent accidents to avoid water use in medical facilities.

Water conservation is not just a practice but a lifestyle change. By implementing these strategies, we can all contribute to preserving this vital resource. Stay tuned for our next article, which will delve into water-saving measures for municipalities.