Summer brings long, sunny days, backyard barbecues, and the challenge of keeping a lush, green garden under the scorching sun. It’s also the season when water use goes through the roof, straining this precious resource. If you’re looking to cut down on your environmental footprint and maybe even lower your water bills, conserving water during these hot months is a must. Check out these eight practical tips from Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain to save water this summer without sacrificing your lawn, garden, or comfort at home.
Rinsing Your Produce in a Large Bowl or Container
Most people know that cleaning your produce is a must, but instead of just running tap water over each piece, try filling a bowl with water and rinsing them there. It saves water, and you can even reuse it to water your houseplants.
Not Washing All of Your Dishes by Hand
Washing dishes by hand can be soothing for some people, but it’s not always the best way to save water. This is because when you wash your dishes by hand, it can use up to 20 gallons of water. While, most modern dishwashers, especially the energy-efficient ones, can actually use less water than hand-washing the same amount of dishes. If you do have to wash some items by hand, try not to leave the water running. Instead, fill one sink with soapy water for washing and the other with clean water for rinsing.
Planning Ahead to Thaw Your Frozen Food
Planning ahead can really save water at meal times. Instead of using running water to thaw your frozen foods, just move them from the freezer to the fridge the night before. This way, you save water and make sure your foods thaw safely.
Doing Laundry with the Intention
- Wash Only Full Loads – Running your washing machine only when it’s full makes it way more efficient, saving both water and energy. Plus, you won’t need to do as many loads, so you’ll save gallons of water in the long run.
- Stay Away from Using the Permanent Press Setting – The permanent-press cycle adds an extra rinse to protect your clothes, which means using more water. So, unless you really need it to keep your garments looking good, it’s best to avoid this setting.
Watering Your Garden and Outdoor Plants in the Early Morning or Evening
Watering your garden in the heat of the day? Bad idea! Most of the water evaporates before it even reaches your plants. Instead, try watering early in the morning or later in the evening. This way, the water gets to the roots where it’s needed most, giving your plants a better chance to soak it all up.
Keeping Your Pool Covered
If you have a pool, covering it when you’re not using it can really cut down on water loss from evaporation. On top of that, a pool cover helps keep your pool clean and means you won’t need as many chemicals.
Layering Your Mulch on Your Garden Beds
Mulching your garden beds isn’t just about keeping weeds at bay; it’s also awesome for retaining soil moisture. Throwing down a good layer of mulch will protect the soil from the sun, keeping it cool and cutting down on evaporation. This means you’ll water less often and enjoy a happier, healthier garden.
Fixing Any Leaky Fixtures Right Away
A dripping faucet, a leaky outdoor spigot, or even a toilet that won’t stop running 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 quickly.
Using these tips can really help you cut down on water use this summer. Remember, saving water is great for the environment and your wallet. By following these practices, you can have a lush garden and a cozy home, all while doing your part to conserve this precious resource.
Call Canal Winchester Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 490-7531, or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!