It may seem like we are surrounded by water here on the Outer Banks, but water usage in daily life is a precious commodity. Yes, it is a renewable resource, but the rate at which we overuse water as a population can have devastating effects.
Water Availability and Usage Statistics
Although it may seem like here in the U.S. water is in abundant supply, only about 3.5 percent of the Earth’s water is available fresh water that falls from the sky and moves into our streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
The other 96.5 percent comes from our oceans. Unfortunately, water waste has created a situation where the possibility of a water shortage could be a very real situation for us.
1% of Earth’s Water is Fresh
Just over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, but only about 3% of it is freshwater (not from the ocean). Of that 3%, nearly three-quarters of it is trapped in glaciers and ice formations, resulting in 1% of the Earth’s water available for us to use.
Less rain water means less water all around. We rely pretty heavily on that 1% of available water, and when we waste it (letting it run while doing dishes, brushing our teeth, soaping up in the shower, or filling the washing machine even with a small load, etc.), we are limiting the amount of water to use for farming, cooking, or drinking!
How to Reduce Water Waste & Conserve Energy
We can all do our part if we take care of the plumbing system in our homes and diligently practice water conservation. Having a water-efficient home keeps water use to a minimum, conserves energy, and can reduce your water and sewer bills.
According to the EPA, the average household uses about 300 gallons of water per day. Of course, that number will vary depending on several factors including:
- Size of home/property
- Number of water-efficient appliances and fixtures
- Number of people living in the home
- Landscape water needs
- Presence of a swimming pool
- Instances of indoor or outdoor leaks
And that’s not even counting the amount of water we lose from a toilet that runs constantly, leaky faucets, or outdoor showers that drip.
Summertime is Critical for Seasonal Water Saving
During the hottest time of the year, homeowners increase their water usage by a large amount to maintain their lawns, shrubs, and flowers; they also provide recreation by swimming in pools or backyard water slides and games. Businesses are doing the same to keep their landscaping looking fresh and vibrant; water parks and community parks are offering fun ways for kids to cool off. People also tend to use more water in the summer to do laundry, wash their cars, and hose down patios; maybe even Fido will get a bath more frequently in the summer.
In addition to the fact that water usage increases by a large amount in the summer, what’s worse is the amount of water waste that accumulates during usage. Think about the amount of runoff that takes place when you’re watering flowers and shrubs, and the amount of water wasted when you’re washing your car or giving the dog a bath. To conserve water, especially during these peak times, it’s important to limit the amount of water that is wasted. There are a number of water conservation techniques and water-saving tools that can help accomplish this task.
Tips & Strategies for Maintaining Water-Efficient Plumbing Systems
That’s why it’s so important to reduce the amount of water waste daily. There are various ways to conserve energy and water around your home.
Take a look at some of our top water-saving tips for homes on the Outer Banks:
#1: Install Low Volume Toilets
- Did you know that toilets are the biggest contributor to water usage? Consider a high-efficiency toilet and save up to 13,000 gallons of water per year in your home.
- The average toilet is used 6 times a day; using newer water saver toilets can save up to 13 gallons a day vs. older units.
- Choosing a low-flow toilet (which uses less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush), can significantly reduce your household’s water consumption, leading to lower utility bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.
- A leaky or running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day, which can add up to thousands of gallons over time, significantly increasing your water bill.
- Choose a reputable brand for the best bang for your buck — We recommend high-efficiency Kohler toilets: they perform well, conserve water, and are backed by Kohler’s outstanding reputation for quality.
#2: Consider an Energy Efficient Water Heater
The average life span of a water heater in our area is 8-12 years.
Choices can be made before your existing unit fails; preventing you from having to make a decision in an emergency situation (often costing you more in the long run). Planning ahead has it’s benefits.
The presence of “energy efficient” models in 2015 sparked changes in tank heater efficiency; manufacturers installed denser, higher-grade, insulation materials to tank heaters in order to prevent constant “firing” to maintain the temperature. Newer, more modern water heaters can offer improved energy efficiency and faster heating times, along with advanced features like smart controls and better insulation, which can lead to lower energy bills and enhanced convenience.
Tankless water heaters have been on the rise, giving customers an endless supply of hot water on demand. Propane and natural gas are the most popular choices, ringing in at over 85% efficiency. Switching over from a tank heater to a tankless unit will require a site visit and permit. This is because the installation involves changes to the plumbing and possibly the electrical or gas systems, which must comply with the state building codes. It’s best to check with your local building department for specific requirements and to ensure all work is performed by a licensed professional.
#3: Use Low-Flow Faucets, Valves, and Spigots
Like a leaky or running toile, a dripping faucet from a tub or shower valve can also waste hundreds of gallons of water per year. The average life of fixture components is generally 8-15 years (depending on water quality),
Low-flow shower heads that are available on the market today provide great delivery and conserve water at the same time. Switching out shower heads is usually a pretty simple task that almost anyone with a pair of pliers can do. Replace your old showerhead with a low-flow head and go from using 2.5 gallons per minute to under 2 gallons per minute.
#4: Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle Water
It may sound silly, but you can reuse water that would otherwise be wasted. For example, while you’re waiting for the shower water to heat up, place a bucket under the tub faucet to catch the cold water for watering plants! Or how about re-using hot water that you use during cooking (vegetable stock, anyone?).
#5: Got Leaks? Be Sure to Check
Got Leaks? Checking for leaks is easy, and most of the time fixing water leaks is even easier! Not to mention the opportunity to optimize water efficiency and reduce expenses. Toilets, faucets, and indoor and outdoor showers are the first places to check.
On average, a household could lose more than 10,000 gallons of water in one year due to leaks. It’s difficult to visualize how much that might equate to, but it certainly sounds like a lot! Based on statistics from the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), this amount of water is equivalent to 280 loads of laundry or about 600 showers. An innocent leak can add up very quickly and cost you hundreds of dollars each year.
Most leaks are not too difficult to find if you know where to look. Your toilet, for example, can waste over 6,000 gallons per month (that’s about 72,000 gallons of water per year). You can perform a DIY dye test to check for toilet leaks or contact your friendly local plumber for assistance in evaluating the condition of the mechanics of the toilets in your home.
For sinks and showers, leaks are typically easy to spot. Look for dripping faucets and shower heads. If your fixtures are dated, chances are you simply have washers that need to be replaced. Be sure to check under sinks for wet areas, water stains, or mold, which will indicate a leaky pipe. Moisture around showerheads and bathtubs is also an indicator of a leak that will require further investigation.
Water waste in homes can average 10% due to leaks. Regularly check your water sources for leaks. Particularly in parts of the home that are infrequently used. If you own a vacation rental, don’t assume your guests are going to mention a leaky faucet, running toilet, or drips under the sink. Be sure to check your toilet and sink drain pipes for any rusted, worn, or bent parts. Most jobs are a quick DIY or contact us to have it done quickly and efficiently.
#6: Don’t Let the Water Run
Whether you’re brushing your teeth or doing the dishes, don’t let the water run needlessly. Turn the water off while you brush. Use a dishpan to soak and wash the dishes, then rinse them quickly under cool water. The savings is incredible; you can save up to 8 gallons of water per day by simply turning the water off while you brush! In the shower, turn off the water while sudsing up, then turn the tap to a low flow while rinsing.
#7: Load and Use the Dish Washer
Use your dishwasher – it can save 5,000 gallons of water and 230 hours of time every year!
Doing dishes by hand can waste as much as 9-27 gallons of water alone. Most modern faucets can help alleviate that number, using as little as 1.5-2 gallons per minute (compared to pre-1992 faucets, which use as much as 2.5 gpm).
Contrary to what you may think, it’s better to run the dishwasher if you want to use less water. A single dishwasher cycle may use only about 4 gallons of water. Most modern dishwasher manufacturers suggest loading without rinsing for best results (if you prefer rinsing before loading, do a quick rinse of all dishes and silverware, then load them all at once).
#8: Reduce Irrigation
Maintaining a green lawn doesn’t have to be challenging. Reduce irrigation by planting drought-resistant grass, watering early in the morning, and using soaker hoses. Regularly maintain your irrigation system and adjust the timer monthly, as lawns require different amounts of water throughout the year. Irrigating with the same amount of water year-round leads to significant waste. To maximize efficiency, water before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.
#9: Choose the Car Wash
Choose the car wash. Self-serve car washes use an average of 11 gal of water, vs. a 10-min wash at home which can use as much as 100 gallons!
#10: Install and In-Home Water-Filtration System for your Reusable Water Bottle
Installing an in-home water filtration system for your reusable water bottle ensures you have access to clean, safe drinking water at all times. These systems remove contaminants and impurities, improving the taste and quality of your water. By using a reusable bottle, you also reduce plastic waste, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Plus, having filtered water readily available encourages you to stay hydrated throughout the day!
#11: Capture Your Rainwater
When you can, capture rainwater and use it for outdoor chores (it’s not advised to consume rainwater). It’s ideal for watering plants, cleaning, etc. Did you know that rainwater often contains nitrogen which provides a slight fertilizing effect for plants?
Benefits of Water-Efficiency
There are a lot of ways to help save water for you, your family, and the planet. Even one small step to change your habits can yield big results.
Every little bit counts! These tips don’t take much to implement, it’s just a matter of creating new habits that help the environment, your plumbing system and your wallet!
If everyone does their part to conserve, it will add up to big savings. Being mindful about the water we use can provide immediate cost savings, and divert less water from rivers, bays, and estuaries. It can also reduce the amount of energy used in water and wastewater treatment facilities.
Conserve Water in Your Plumbing System with Action Plumbing OBX
It’s likely you are already familiar with many of these tips and suggestions, but it’s always good to have a reminder to do your part to protect and preserve for a friendlier, longer-lasting planet.
For more advice on how to reduce maximize water efficiency in your living or work space, contact us to schedule an on-site evaluation.
Action Plumbing is happy to discuss your concerns! We typically recommend a home plumbing inspection to ensure your water system is working efficiently and make suggestions regarding the current state of your appliances and fixtures to bring your home up to satisfactory water-efficient standards.
