August is peak water-use season and with a few simple tips
from EPA's WaterSense program, homeowners can save water and as much as $110
annually on their water bills.
“Peak water use can be
expensive, taxes local water systems, and threatens future water supply and
quality,” said Peter S. Silva, EPA’s assistant administrator for water. “A few
simple changes can help consumers reduce their water bills, and in turn, save
them money.”
On average, an American household uses about
260 gallons per day, but this amount climbs to around 1,000 gallons per day
during peak water use season with some households using as much as 3,000
gallons a day.
Here are some tips to help reduce water use:
- Water
yards only when needed.
- Consider using
WaterSense-labeled toilets, faucets and faucet accessories, which use at least
20 percent less water and can save $60 per year.
- Water landscapes only when needed.
Watering in the very early morning or evening is best.
- Wash only full loads of
laundry and dishes, and scrape dishes instead of rinsing when loading the
dishwasher.
- For a summer refreshment, keep a
pitcher of water in the fridge instead of running the tap until it is cold.
- Put
your favorite handyperson to work fixing leaks around the home, which can waste
about 200 gallons per week. Fixing leaks can add up to about $50 in utility
bill savings annually.
In 2008 alone, WaterSense-labeled toilets,
faucets and faucet accessories helped Americans save more than 9.3 billion
gallons of water and realize more than $55 million in savings on water and
sewer bills. That is enough water to supply 100,000 average households for a
year.
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored by EPA
to protect the future of our nation’s water supply by promoting and enhancing
the market for water-efficient products and services.
Find
more tips and information at
the
WaterSense
website.
