CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The drought which gripped the South last year is a good example of why everyone needs to conserve water.
Even when it seems to be everywhere, water is vital to life and needs to be shared among neighbors, communities, states and the environment. Saving water also saves another key resource - money.
There are many opportunities for households to save water. Some techniques are beyond the abilities of most, but many can be performed by almost anyone and can help save lots of water.
A basic technique is to simply make sure no faucets are leaking or toilets are running. These problems waste water in addition to being an annoyance. According to the American Water Works Association, a slow leak of one drip per minute wastes approximately 50 gallons a year and leak of one drip per second wastes approximately 8.6 gallons a day and more than 3,000 gallons in a year.
Some leaks can also occur in pipelines where they are much harder to detect and fix. A Purdue University study estimates quiet leaks in a toilet can double a family's total water usage, which adds up to a much higher water bill.
There are also water-saving devices available to install in homes. A standard toilet uses 5.5 gallons in a single flush while low-flow versions use 3.5 gallons, saving 36 percent. Ultra-low flush toilets are also available which use only 1.6 gallons, saving 73 percent.
Look for Consumer Reports on toilets to ensure a good quality toilet is purchased. Toilets, which use a pressurized air system often work as well as a standard flush toilet.
Showers are another important water saving area. Low-flow shower heads can save 12 gallons per shower head per day. The savings on water used, water heating and wastewater treatment can pay for the low flow and ultra-low flow shower heads in a matter of weeks, according to Purdue University.
Even when using household sinks, water savings can be achieved. Place an aerator on all sink faucets to reduce water usage and improve spray performance. Remember to turn off the faucet when not using the water for shaving and brushing teeth.
Everyday appliances can also help save water. Modern dishwashers and washing machines have improved in water usage. Both machines benefit from running fewer full loads to reduce energy and water usage. Waiting to wash dishes until there is a full load is also beneficial if you use a dishwasher. When washing by hand, don't let the water run all the time. Divide the sink into a wash and a rinse section and use the spray attachment for rinsing. The sprayer uses less water to rinse than the faucet, so use it when possible.
Front loading washing machines can use half the amount of water as a top-loading machine for the same load settings. Using cold water instead of hot water also saves money, as well as being easier on fabrics. If smaller loads need to be washed, remember to adjust the water level so less is wasted.
There are many ways to use less water in everyday life. For more information on how to save water, visit www.purdue.edu/dp/envirosoft/watcon/src/main.htm to review these tips and others.