Does Water Conservation Matter? Ask A Plumbing Service | Katy, TX

2/12/2021

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One of the most common questions plumber are asked is ‘Does water usage and conservation matter?’ Nowadays, homeowners are becoming more environmentally aware, and many are making small changes to make their homes more energy-efficient. But what about water usage? Does it really make a difference if you try to use less water? Let’s check with a plumbing service. 

If you live in Katy, TX, or the surrounding area and are searching for a plumbing service, you may like to contact bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston.

The Story of Water

We’ve all been told as children not to leave the faucet open while cleaning our teeth. It can seem like water is plentiful; simply turn on the faucet, and you’ll have water. It’s easy to take water and the plumbing system for granted, so does conserving water really make a difference?

While it can seem like water is available in a never-ending supply, this isn’t the case. It’s worth remembering that water is a limited resource. Humans are only able to use about one percent of the world’s water supply; the rest is either salt water or ice. Not everyone in the world has access to clean drinking water, and many people in developing worlds have to walk miles to fetch water. When you think of it like that, you may start to shift your view of water.

Water is used in large amounts every day, in our homes, offices, and in industries such as mining and agriculture. The average American family uses over a thousand liters of water a day. With approximately 24 percent being used for flushing toilets, 20 percent for showering, and another 19 percent is from the faucet. The remaining 17 percent is used to wash clothes, while 12 percent is wasted due to cracked or burst pipes that leak and 8 percent for other uses.

It takes a lot of water to flush a toilet just once, between 3-6 gallons, to be exact. People in America use about 80-100 gallons of water per person a day, compared to only two liters of water a day, per person in developing countries such as Rwanda and Ethiopia. People in developed countries use a staggering amount of water, compared to those in developing countries.

Water Conservation Matters

As you can see, the average American is using A LOT of water, and as it’s not an unlimited resource, it would be a good idea to take steps to reduce your water consumption. Many people wonder how we can replenish our water supply and where all that water comes from.

Our water comes from a watershed, which is an area of land, such as a reservoir where all the rainwater is collected. Water from rain or streams is collected and stored in the watershed. It’s then treated and used for drinking and washing, as well as mining and irrigation. Watersheds are the primary way that water is replaced and replenished. Watersheds are also sometimes known as drainage basins or catchment areas. These are ecologically linked with each other.

How to Conserve Water

It can often seem like there’s plenty of rain, and should therefore be enough water to go around. You may be wondering how your actions can help to conserve water for other people who need it. Watersheds are all connected, and the amount of water you use can have an effect on how much water is available for people in other cities and even countries.

Restricting your water usage is a good idea and can affect the rest of the world. Everyone can make small changes, which together will make a big difference. There are many ways that you can reduce the amount of water you use. Here are some suggestions:

Ask a Plumbing Service to Check for Leaks

Test all the pipes in your home for leaks. Data shows that about 12 percent of an average American family’s water supply is wasted due to leaks. It’s a good idea to call in the help of a plumbing service to check your pipes. This will help you to conserve water and may even reduce your water bills.

It’s also a good idea to learn where your water shut off valve is in case of emergency. This will prevent you from wasting a lot of water in the event of a burst pipe and will also reduce water damage in your home.

You can also have a plumbing service insulate your pipes. This will stop them from freezing in the winter. It will also mean that the water will heat up faster and bring many other benefits.

Take Shorter Showers

One of the best things you can do is reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower. Don’t leave faucets running while cleaning your teeth. You may also like to consider installing a newer, more environmentally friendly toilet model that doesn’t use as much water per flush.

Reduce Water Usage

You can also watch how much water you use for jobs such as watering your lawn and washing your car. Perhaps you can collect rainwater to water plants and do outside jobs. Also, use the eco settings on washing machines and dishwashers, as this will help to conserve water.

Don’t use water if you are defrosting foods. Many people use this method, and it takes a lot of water. Instead, take your food out of the freezer well before you need to use it and leave it to defrost.

When using the washing machine, only wash a full load of laundry, as doing half loads uses too much water. The same is true of the dishwasher.

bluefrog Plumbing Service

Need a plumbing service? If you live in Katy, TX, or the surrounding area, bluefrog Plumbing Service can help you detect a leak or replace your toilet with one that’s more water-efficient. They are available for all types of plumbing service and also for emergency call out.

Call bluefrog Plumbing + Drain of West Houston today on 346-800-3316!