By BRETT SCHULTZ
Sustainability Committee member
Reducing your water usage not only helps your wallet but also conserves a critical resource. The average American household uses 82 gallons of water per day, with more than 30% going to outdoor activities like lawn irrigation. By making a few changes both indoors and outdoors, you can significantly cut your water bill while reducing your impact on the environment.
It is easiest to start by addressing common indoor water habits. Fixing household leaks can save up to 180 gallons per week on average, which is equivalent to washing 300 loads of laundry annually. Upgrading to WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets can reduce water usage by 20% or more as well, and do not compromise performance.
Outdoor water usage is another area one can focus on. Inefficient irrigation methods can waste up to 50% of the water used due to evaporation, wind, or runoff. Installing a WaterSense-labeled irrigation controller can reduce irrigation water use by 30%, saving up to 15,000 gallons annually. Simple habits, like watering lawns early in the morning or using drought-resistant plants, can also reduce outdoor water consumption significantly.
Small adjustments like running dishwashers only when full or turning off taps while brushing teeth can also generate big savings. For more information, please consult the EPA’s WaterSense website (https://www.epa.gov/watersense/statistics-and-facts).
Content for the Sustainability Corner is provided periodically to the Transcript by members of the town’s Sustainability Committee.