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How to Save on Water Use

Water conservation helps the environment along with your wallet. You can adjust your lifestyle to reduce water consumption -- and use water sources other than your faucet when you need non-drinkable water. This mindset is especially beneficial in arid climates, but it also helps in seaside communities and areas with high rainfall totals. Some methods are straightforward, like never letting water flow straight from the faucet to the drain, while others seem counterintuitive, like planting shrubs that need water to grow.

Instructions

Reduce Outdoor Water Consumption
- 1
  Collect rainwater for outdoor uses, such as watering your lawn and gardens. Rather than letting rainwater run down your gutters and straight into the ground, place barrels under the downspouts to capture the water, then use a watering can to water garden beds.
- 2
  Water your outdoor plants and lawn only in the early morning or evening to allow the soil to absorb moisture before it evaporates.
- 3
  Create rings of soil and mulch around shrubs to trap and concentrate rainwater near plants instead of letting it run off to hydrate unused soil.
- 4
  Plant ground covers in areas of your yard to replace grass. They will require less water to stay green. Also, only plant young plants in the rainy seasons of spring and fall so that you do not have to water as often.
Conserve Water Indoors
- 5
  Use a sink or bowl full of fresh water for rinsing dishes or shaving, rather than running water.
- 6
  Run water-consuming appliances, such as dishwashers and laundry machines, only when they are full.
- 7
  Use a bucket to collect water as your shower warms up, then use it to water indoor plants.
- 8
  Reuse aquarium water for your plants when you clean out your fish tank.
- 9
  Install aerators on your faucets. These devices mix air with the flow of water to reduce water usage.

Nature