We Asked Experts For the Easiest Ways to Shrink Your Home Water Usage
We asked sustainability experts about how they cut down on their water footprints
Water scarcity and droughts are increasingly affecting the West, with federal officials imposing strict limits on water usage from the Colorado River. The average American uses about 82 gallons of water daily at home, much of which is spent on inefficient habits and aging appliances. To conserve water, experts recommend running dishwashers and washing machines only when they are full, turning off the faucet while washing dishes, soaking pans before cleaning, and installing low-flow faucets.
Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, such as water-saving showerheads and faucets, can save hundreds of gallons annually. Checking for leaks is crucial, as they can waste billions of gallons nationwide. Outside the home, landscaping accounts for a significant portion of water usage, with traditional green lawns requiring substantial amounts.
Opting for drought-tolerant landscaping, or xeriscaping, with native plants can save water and attract local wildlife.
Written by urgent.news from Time's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
