Looking for ways to save water during a drought?

If you’re living in an arid area, this is probably becoming more and more important with each passing year.

According to the United States Geological Survey, most of the water that a person uses a day is wasted while performing basic hygiene, washing dishes and clothing and watering plants.

On average, people waste:

• 36 gallons of water bathing
• 2 to 5 gallons per minute showering
• 1 to 2 gallons per minute cleaning teeth
• 1 gallon washing hands
• 3 to 4 gallons flushing the toilet
• 6 to 27 gallons washing dishes
• 25 to 40 gallons washing clothing
• 2 gallons per minute to watering plants

Saving Every Drop

Potable water is a precious resource and commodity around the world.

Anyone can act responsibly with that resource and protect it for future generations. Additionally, people who conserve water enjoy the added bonus of saving money on their monthly water bills.

Here are six ways to to save water during a drought:

1. Place a large pitcher under the faucet to catch unused flowing water when you are waiting for the water to heat up or get cold. Later in the day, re-purpose the saved water by using it to quench your thirst, water indoor plants and/or rinse food off of dishes that you are not ready to clean.
2. Fix dripping faucets. A single droplet per minute can result in the loss of 4.2 gallons of water per month.
3. Before brushing your teeth, fill a glass half full with water. Turn off the faucet when you are brushing and flossing your teeth. When you are finished, rinse your mouth using the pre-measured glass of water.
4. Set up water barrels under your downspouts to collect rainwater. Use the collected water later to water plants, wash your car or clean a deck or patio.
5. Replace outdoor grass with low-maintenance artificial turf. This option saves the water you would normally use to water your grass and the gasoline used in a gas-powered mower.
6. Lastly, dust and vacuum your home regularly and spot-clean stains and spills as soon as they happen so that you will not have to use your scrubber-style carpet and/or floor cleaner between regularly scheduled cleanings.