Water and Conservation: 5 Tips to Save You Money

Water and conservation is an important subject that you need to tackle to save money. Even if your landlord pays the water bill, you can reduce your electricity bill by using less heated water. It’s also good for you to practice how to conserve water in case there’s a natural disaster or some other emergency that stops running water from flowing into your apartment. Whatever your reasons for water conservation, these tips will help you use less water:

Tip #1: Shut Off Faucets When You’re Not Using Them

It’s so easy to get caught up in a telephone conversation while cooking or to daydream while brushing your teeth, and leave the water running. A simple water conservation tip is to shut the faucet off when you’re not using water. Try to be more mindful of the task at hand when you’re using water, and remind yourself to not waste water.

Tip #2: Reuse Water

Before you dump water down the drain, ask yourself a simple question: “How can I use this water?” Drinking is not your only option. For example, if you have water in the kettle from yesterday, use the leftover water to water your plants, wash counter tops or add a little to your kitchen compost bin. Be creative as you think through the ways that you can reuse water in your apartment.

Tip #3: Don’t Flush the Toilet for Other Reasons

Flushing the toilet after you “go to the bathroom” is a good use of the water, energy and money that’s associated with that act. There are alternative uses for flushing the toilet that doesn’t do anything for water conservation, and costs you money unnecessarily. For example, don’t dry your hands with a paper towel and then flush it down the toilet. Don’t catch a spider or some other pest in your apartment and then flush it down the toilet. Think about the many reasons why you flush the toilet, and stop using it for purposes other than what it’s intended for.

Tip #4:  Ask Landlord to Make Repairs

Even if you’re conscious about water conservation, you may have leaky pipes and faucets. The moment that you notice it, ask your landlord to make repairs. If you’re able to make repairs yourself, then you may be able to work out a deal with your landlord to reduce the rent for materials purchased, and even for your labor. You could be saving many gallons of water just by making the necessary repairs.

Tip #5: Limit Your Use of the Dishwasher

You may have rented your apartment because of the dishwasher and other appliances that make life convenient on a daily basis. The problem with dishwashers though is that they require a lot of water. The best way to conserve your use of water is to not use it all. You should wash your dishes by hand exclusively. However, that may not be realistic for your schedule or situation. If you must use the dishwasher, then make sure you run a full load. Don’t just wash a few dishes here and there.

Don’t be intimidated about water conservation. It’s a great way to save money, and you should get started sooner rather than later.