Saving water has become a critical struggle of our time. Never before has it been so important to conserve water whenever and wherever possible. Thankfully there are ways for all of us to take a personal approach to water conservation—we just have to do it. We can easily start by doing things a little more mindfully, such as not leaving the water running if we’re not using it; use only as much as we need.
Here’s a list of water-saving ideas for inside (and outside) your home that will help save this precious life-giver:
AMERICAN STANDARD TOUCHLESS FAUCET
This is an easy upgrade to your bathroom. This item's water savings may not be immediately obvious, but the water shuts off when you remove your hands from under the faucet. No wasting water while you reach for the soap or lather up. The American Standard NextGen Selectronic Integrated Faucet saves 32 percent more water than standard faucets, with a 1.5 gallon per minute (gpm) flow. This touchless bathroom faucet is battery powered with all electronics above deck, with no hidden control box. Really, everyone should have touchless faucets in their bathroom and kitchen. It’s easy to save water because you don’t have to think about it once it’s installed—it just keeps saving. americanstandard.com (US)/americanstandard.ca (CAN). Also available through Amazon.
WELLWORTH LOW-FLOW DUAL FLUSH TOILET
Another easy upgrade. The Wellworth K-3988-0 two-piece toilet will have you flushing your water-saving worries away with every use. The Wellworth offers an elongated bowl for more room and comfort, and a dual flush feature located on the side of the toilet rather than on top. The two flush options both save water at 1.1 gpf and 1.6 gpf; you get a powerful flush with either option. The 1.1 gpf flush option (if used exclusively) would save approximately 4000 gallons of water per year. Wow, now that’s water saving! kohler.ca. Also available through Amazon.
NIAGARA CONSERVATION EARTH HANDHELD SHOWERHEAD
The next time you jump in the shower and use your handheld showerhead, consider this one. The Niagara Conservation Earth 1.5 gpm high-efficiency handheld showerhead is easy to install and will start saving you water (and money) on the first use. The shower head has three settings (needle, massage, and combination); regardless of how you use it, the water savings will be the same. Getting my massage in the shower is much more enjoyable knowing I’m using less water than with a standard handheld. niagaracorp.com. Also available through Amazon.
SIMPLY CONSERVE 7-SPRAY GARDEN HOSE NOZZLE
With pressure compensation technology, the Simply Conserve Heavy Duty Water-Saving Garden Hose Nozzle provides great pressure while saving water at the same time. A flow rate of 2.5 gpm helps you save water while irrigating your vegetable garden, flowers, or shrubs. Save more water by using the setting that’s right for the job. simplyconserve.com. For Canadian orders contact customer service at customercare@amconservationgroup.com
RAIN BIRD 1ZEHTMR ELECTRONIC HOSE END TIMER
Have you ever turned on your lawn or garden sprinkler and forgot to turn it off after the desired watering time? That wastes a massive amount of water. With the Rain Bird 1ZEHTMR Electronic Hose End Timer, One Zone/Station, you can program your watering schedule and duration, and walk away worry-free. The water will come on when the program begins and will turn off again when the watering duration is met. If rain is in the forecast, you can cancel that watering cycle by pressing the rain delay button, so you’re not wasting this precious resource. It also has a convenient and easy-to-read digital display to review all your watering schedules. This is a great way to gain immediate control of your water usage. store.rainbird.com. Also available through Amazon.
IMPRESSIONS ECO BARK 50 GALLON RAIN SAVER—RECYCLED MATERIAL
There’s nothing like using free water, especially when it’s collected in a recycled material (BPA-free plastic) rain barrel! The Impressions Eco Bark 50 Gallon Rain Saver is aesthetically pleasing, resembles the bark of a tree trunk, and has a deep welled top for planting flowers, or a small herb garden. The overflow is designed to divert excess water to the front of the rain barrel to prevent foundation flooding in your home (that’s just smart). The top opening can accommodate either a 2x3 or 3x4 downspout and is covered with a soft, fine mesh to prevent debris from entering the barrel. At the bottom of the barrel is a plastic spigot (won’t rust) where you can attach a hose to extract the water. 50 gallons is a lot of water saved—now that’s a step in the right direction. goodideasinc.com (available only in the US).
