Supercharge Your Home's Efficiency With These 8 TikTok Tips to Slash Water Use

To help reduce our consumption of freshwater, water conservation measures such as recycling gray water are necessary. Where the stormwater runoff isn't sufficient for irrigation needs, wastewater from sinks, showers and washing machine outlets diverted to a garden or a nearby tree, conserves clean water. Meanwhile, the toilet water should be disposed of properly to avoid contaminating the groundwater table and other drinking water sources.  

Time efficiency and water conservation can be combined when washing clothes, dishes and other items. Use the washer only when you have a full load. Every time you operate the machine, its motor, and other components run and consume electricity. A partial load means more usage frequency and power costs. Besides wasting water, the extra washes increase the strain on the machine, thus shortening its life. Maximize your clothes and utensil cleansing appliances' lifespan using fewer washes and cycles.  

Change out the old faucet and aerator for a low-flow model. Limiting the flow rate of water from the faucet reduces water consumption. With the aerator on, an evenly pressured stream comes out, eliminating splashing and wasting more water. Reduced usage of heated water in your home can save more money on utility bills and minimizes the greenhouse gasses emitted during electricity production. Ounce for ounce, an aerator conserves at least 20 percent more water than a normal faucet.  

Tiny leaks in the household pipes and fixtures can add to a significant amount of water wasted daily. A typical toilet, for example, can waste as much as 30 gallons of water per day. Yet a home's faulty plumbing system accounts for about 10 percent of the water bill. At the same time, delays in repairing malfunctioning nozzles, flawed faucets or clogged drains will force a water pump to overcompensate for these inefficiencies. Leakages that go unaddressed for many days could drive up the cost of running your water system.  

Harvesting rainwater from gutters, downspouts and roofs has several benefits. Aside from eliminating the need to purchase water, it can also help minimize lawn watering. By collecting rainwater, excess water can be stored safely for future usage. In areas where the annual rainfall is heavy, collecting rainwater alone or in addition to a municipal supply can provide an economical alternative water supply for outdoor and indoor use. Without the overuse of groundwater, the over-pumping of wells can also be prevented.  

Adding organic mulch to your garden beds and landscapes ensures that the soil remains moist and retains water for a longer period. While slowing evaporation, mulching also prevents weed growth by reducing the amount of sunlight that reaches the ground. Not only does mulching protect plants from temperature extremes, but it also eliminates the need for an electric weeder. Moreover, xeriscape landscaping uses water-wise plants, including non-native species, that require minimal maintenance and care.  

To save more money on utility bills and conserve more water, use more efficient products. Check out the Energy Star label for power-saving appliances certified by the EPA to reduce energy consumption or operate at lower temperatures. Similarly, look for the WaterSense designation on products that use less water and/or water-wise fixtures, toilets and faucets for even greater water efficiency improvements. A small investment in these water-saving equipment can pay dividends in the long run.  

Hand washing, toothbrushing and other personal hygiene routines can significantly drain your household's water supply. Motion sensor faucets and touchless dispensers control the water flow based on the user's position. No more struggling to maneuver a faucet's knobs and handles when your hands are full or dirty. Thanks to their automatic operation, the water flow can be activated or stopped upon detection or removal of hands from the sensor area. Germs will only spread with your hands touching and contaminating the faucet.