Seven Tips for Reducing Water Consumption at Home

You will certainly agree that one of the largest monthly expenses is the water bill. The good news is that there are several ways to significantly reduce water consumption. Read on to learn more!

Tip 1: Use the toilet’s “economy” flush setting

Most toilets currently have two flush settings—three and six litres. You can calculate for yourself how much water is saved over a month if, for example, the economy setting is used twice a day instead of the “standard” setting—it amounts to 180 litres! If the toilet cistern in your home has a larger capacity than stated above, or does not have two settings, it is worth either adjusting the cistern’s volume or purchasing a more water-efficient toilet or cistern.

Tip 2: Choose aerator attachments or special taps

A tap can release approximately 15 litres of water per minute, but this amount can be reduced easily and quickly—simply purchase aerator attachments. They mix air into the water stream. This has another advantage: thanks to the increased pressure, dirt and suds are easier to wash away. It is also worth purchasing a water-saving showerhead. If you are planning to replace your taps, choose models with built-in aeration.

Tip 3: Always turn off the tap when brushing your teeth

Up to 60 litres of water can flow from the tap while brushing your teeth if you leave it running, so this habit should definitely be eliminated. If you want your water meter to record as little water consumption as possible, you can be even more economical—pour the water needed for rinsing your mouth into a glass.

Tip 4: Adjust your bathing habits

If your home has both a shower and a bathtub, use the former to save water —a quick shower uses several times less water than taking a bath. And, as already mentioned, choose a shower attachment or showerhead that adds air to the water stream. Also try to reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower (you can use a timer for this purpose).

Tip 5: Wash laundry thoughtfully

If you only need to wash a few items of clothing, it is advisable to do so by hand; otherwise, both water and detergent will be used unnecessarily. Use the washing machine when you have accumulated a full load of laundry, and also pay attention to the washing cycle —clothes without stubborn stains, for example, do not need a pre-wash, which helps save both water and electricity costs.

Tip 6: Buy a dishwasher

A dishwasher can handle a full load of dishes (a 12-place setting) using an average of 6–8 litres of water, whereas washing dishes by hand requires approximately 50 litres of water! If you do wash dishes by hand, fill the sink with warm water and place all the dirty dishes in it instead of washing them one at a time under the tap.

Tip 7: Monitor the condition of your water pipes and taps

To prevent water from being wasted, regularly check whether there is a dripping tap or leaking water pipe in your home. Also pay attention to water consumption—a leak can sometimes occur in an out-of-sight place, and the water meter (more precisely, its readings) will indicate this.

Would you also like to reduce other monthly expenses related to your home? Visit the SMScredit.lv blog post “How to Reduce Spending on Utilities?”—by following the tips provided there, you will save even more!