The Dripping Drain (and Other Horror Stories)

Water wastage is a global issue that many people contribute to without even realizing it. Every time someone doesn't turn off the tap when they're not using it, takes 30-minute showers, or even washes their clothes with scalding hot water, they unknowingly become a contributor to water wastage. So what exactly is water wastage, and what are some simple ways in which we can prevent it?

What exactly is water wastage, and how does it negatively impact the environment?

Water wastage is the practice of using up water when there is no need to, intentionally or unintentionally. It is widespread across the globe, and often times, people don't even realize they are wasting water. These are some statistics reported by the Environmental Protection Agency in November of 2018:

• The average American family wastes 180 gallons of water per week (totaling to about 9,400 gallons per year) due to household leaks.

• Globally, household leaks cause approximately 900 billion gallons to be wasted every year.

• Outdoor water usage amounts to more than 30% of a household's total water usage.

• The average person uses 88 gallons of water a day, and this can easily be cut down to 70 gallons a day by implementing simple water-saving techniques.

There is no doubt that water wastage is an extremely large problem, in America and everywhere else on the globe. But it is also an easily preventable problem. So, how can we make simple changes to our lifestyles that will result in immediate changes in our planet's environment?

What can we do to make a difference?

Yes, finally, some good news! There are SO many simple, easy, and effective ways to limit your water wastage and make a change in the environment! We've listed the most effective strategies below for you to put in practice. And you don't have to do all the tips to make an impact, either. Just pick and choose which ones are most convenient for you, and stick with them! You will start noticing big differences in your monthly water bill (yes, these tips help you save money as well!) and you will have the knowledge that you're keeping the Earth green by living more sustainably!

• Take shorter showers- The average shower uses about 5 gallons (18 liters) of water per minute. By shortening your shower by just 3 minutes, you can save 15 GALLONS of water! Start slow and start reducing your shower time by one minute, then two, then three. Aim to get a 5-minute shower!

• Turn off taps when not in use- This one seems simple, and that's because it is! All you need to do is consciously remember to turn off the tap when you're not using it (like when you're brushing your teeth or washing the dishes). The average tap uses 1.5 gallons (or 6 liters) of water per minute, so if you take 2 minutes to brush your teeth and 10 minutes to do the dishes, you can save 18 GALLONS of water per day!

• Find and fix leaks- Leaks can waste about 180 gallons of water per week, which is not good for the environment OR your water bill! It will be cheaper and more sustainable in the long run if you take a few minutes to check all the taps in your house for leaks. If you find any, you can try to fix it yourself, or you can call a plumber and have it fixed for you. Either way, you will be making a difference!

• Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when full- Instead of running washing machines and dishwashers frequently when it's not fully loaded, only run them when it's full! An average dishwasher uses 6 gallons of water per cycle, and the average washing machine uses 14-20 gallons, regardless of how full they are. So by only running these appliances when needed, you can save more than 40 gallons of water per week!

• Put a weighted bottle in your toilet tank- Sounds strange, right? But you can save more than 10 gallons of water per day by doing this simple trick! Fill a plastic bottle with about 1-2 inches of pebbles or sand, and fill the rest with water. Then simply put this weighted bottle in the tank of your toilet! Don't worry, nothing in the toilet will be affected, and you will save so much water and money!

Keep all these tips in mind and start adding some into your daily lifestyle. The impact you make will keep adding up, and your water expenses will keep coming down! Like this blog post if you feel inspired, and comment below on which tips you want to try out! Feel free to share this post with anyone you want to inspire to take action on behalf of our planet. Together, we can and will make a difference in the environment!