If you live in an apartment, you probably use slightly less water than a homeowner would, since you don't have to water a yard or large garden. But it can still come as a shock just how much water the average American, even an apartment renter, can use on a daily basis. Cutting back on water usage not only lowers your utility bill, but it can also help reduce the strain on the environment. Once you identify the sources of your water usage, such as from faucets, showerheads, dishwashers and toilets, you can start taking steps to cut back.
One of the simplest changes you can make is change out your showerhead for a low-flow variant. By using one, you could end up using only a fraction of the water you otherwise would with each shower. And the saved water can add up quickly. It's not too pleasant when it's cold, but you could also switch off the water while you lather up. Some showerheads even have a "pause" setting that stops water flow temporarily. You might also consider buying a water heater that heats water as needed, instead of a large water heater tank that uses lots of electricity throughout the day.
You can also be on the lookout for instances of wasted water, such as when people leave the faucet running while they brush their teeth or wash the dishes. It's just a simple matter of turning it off when you're not really using it that can be of great benefit.
You can also take a look at your various household appliances and see how much water they are using. A simple change of settings on some can reduce their footprint. You might not need to pre-rinse your dishes, for example, if you use higher heat settings on the dishwasher and complement it with an adequately effective cleaning tab or solution. You can reduce the number of total wash cycles for both the dishwasher and laundry machine each week by only running them when you have a full load of laundry or dishes.
Of all the household items that take more water than need, the toilet is usually the biggest offender. While many newer toilets conform to more efficient standards, many older ones still waste gallons of water with each flush. One easy life hack is to put a heavy object in the toilet tank to fill space, thereby dropping the amount of water that fills the tank and flushes.
This is an easy modification that can be easily reversed. As long as you're careful to not let any small pieces get sucked down, it won't damage the toilet.
Waste not, want not, they say, and that can apply to water. If you take advantage of rain, you can use it to water your plants instead of using tap water. Simply place them outside during a rainstorm. If you place a bucket or other receptacle out as well, you can save some rainwater for plants, or even for cleaning outdoor furniture or muddy boots.
There are many ways to cut back on water usage. If others in the building see what you're doing, they might even be inclined to adopt some of your methods. Saving water reduces the cost of utilities. But also, the more people that participate, the better of planet Earth is.
One of the simplest changes you can make is change out your showerhead for a low-flow variant. By using one, you could end up using only a fraction of the water you otherwise would with each shower. And the saved water can add up quickly. It's not too pleasant when it's cold, but you could also switch off the water while you lather up. Some showerheads even have a "pause" setting that stops water flow temporarily. You might also consider buying a water heater that heats water as needed, instead of a large water heater tank that uses lots of electricity throughout the day.
You can also be on the lookout for instances of wasted water, such as when people leave the faucet running while they brush their teeth or wash the dishes. It's just a simple matter of turning it off when you're not really using it that can be of great benefit.
You can also take a look at your various household appliances and see how much water they are using. A simple change of settings on some can reduce their footprint. You might not need to pre-rinse your dishes, for example, if you use higher heat settings on the dishwasher and complement it with an adequately effective cleaning tab or solution. You can reduce the number of total wash cycles for both the dishwasher and laundry machine each week by only running them when you have a full load of laundry or dishes.
Of all the household items that take more water than need, the toilet is usually the biggest offender. While many newer toilets conform to more efficient standards, many older ones still waste gallons of water with each flush. One easy life hack is to put a heavy object in the toilet tank to fill space, thereby dropping the amount of water that fills the tank and flushes.
This is an easy modification that can be easily reversed. As long as you're careful to not let any small pieces get sucked down, it won't damage the toilet.
Waste not, want not, they say, and that can apply to water. If you take advantage of rain, you can use it to water your plants instead of using tap water. Simply place them outside during a rainstorm. If you place a bucket or other receptacle out as well, you can save some rainwater for plants, or even for cleaning outdoor furniture or muddy boots.
There are many ways to cut back on water usage. If others in the building see what you're doing, they might even be inclined to adopt some of your methods. Saving water reduces the cost of utilities. But also, the more people that participate, the better of planet Earth is.
About the Author:
Conserving water will benefit planet Earth,, and those who rent an apartment can still contribute their share. For those searching for luxury apartments in Geneseo, NY, The Hammocks at Geneseo could provide the perfect home for those who want to live in a beautiful home while saving water.