Below is the breakdown of how our water is consumed according to the EPA:
24% for Flushing Toilets
20% on Showers
19% is Faucets
17% Clothe Washers
12% Water Leaks
8% Other
California depends on rain and snowfall to meet its water needs. Although the Colorado River provides approximately one-third of the water supply for cities and suburbs in Southern California while sustaining a significant agricultural sector in Imperial and Riverside Counties. So water waste is on high alert in California.
The Amount Of Water We Waste Is Staggering
So, what’s the solution to conserving water? People coming together through education to find solutions regarding our water. As Americans, we waste a ridiculous amount of water, to the tune of one trillion gallons a year, according to the EPA. Let’s try to put that in layperson’s terms: that would fill up 48 billion bathtubs, 80 million swimming pools, and the Rose Bowl 24,000 times. It’s also equal to the amount of water 11 million households use annually. Furthermore, the wasted water we’re speaking of comes only from water leaks, such as leaky bathroom and kitchen faucets, faulty toilets, leaky sprinklers, and much more. That did not include irresponsible water use, such as long showers and spraying down sidewalks and driveways.
Old Toilets Need Replacing with Ones Using 1.28 Gallons Per Flush or Less
Replacing old toilets with newer models that use 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) or less offers several significant benefits. One of the primary advantages is water conservation. Older toilets typically use much more water per flush, often around 3 to 5 GPF. By switching to low-flow toilets, households can significantly reduce their water consumption, contributing to water conservation efforts and helping to address water scarcity issues, especially in regions prone to droughts. This benefits the environment and lowers water bills for homeowners, promoting cost savings over time.
Transition to Low-Flow Toilets
Furthermore, adopting low-flow toilets supports sustainability and reduces the strain on wastewater treatment facilities. With reduced water usage per flush, less water needs to be treated and processed, which can lead to lower energy consumption and operating costs for sewage treatment plants. Additionally, it helps alleviate the burden on aging infrastructure, as older pipes and sewage systems can be overwhelmed by excessive water flow, leading to leaks and other costly maintenance issues. The transition to low-flow toilets is a simple yet effective way to promote water efficiency, save money, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient water supply system.
A Minor Investment in Changing Old Faucets and Aerators Will Make a Big Difference
Replacing old faucets and aerators with ones that have the WaterSense label offers a range of substantial benefits. The primary advantage lies in water conservation. WaterSense-labeled faucets and aerators are designed to significantly reduce water flow without compromising performance. They typically use 20% less water than standard faucets and aerators, contributing to substantial water savings in households and businesses. This helps conserve a precious natural resource and lowers water bills, making it a cost-effective choice for consumers.
WaterSense-labeled Faucets is an Environmentally Responsible Choice
Additionally, adopting WaterSense-labeled faucets and aerators supports environmental sustainability. The reduced water usage decreases the energy required for water heating, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating processes. Moreover, it lessens the strain on local water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities, promoting more efficient water resource management and reducing the environmental impact of water consumption. Overall, using WaterSense-labeled products promotes water efficiency and aligns with broader sustainability goals, making it an environmentally responsible choice for individuals and businesses.
Old Water Guzzling Showerheads Need Replacing
Replacing old showerheads with new WaterSense-labeled showerheads offers numerous benefits. These innovative showerheads are designed to deliver a satisfying shower experience while using significantly less water. They can reduce water flow by up to 20% or more compared to traditional showerheads, leading to substantial water savings. This helps conserve precious water resources and lowers water bills for households and businesses, making it a cost-effective choice.
Water Usage and Environmental Footprint
Furthermore, WaterSense-labeled showerheads contribute to environmental sustainability. Reducing water usage decreases the energy required to heat the water, reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with water heating processes. The lower water flow also eases the pressure on local water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities, promoting more efficient water resource management and reducing the environmental impact of excessive water consumption. Overall, replacing old showerheads with WaterSense-labeled models strikes a balance between water conservation, cost savings, and environmental responsibility, making it a wise choice for anyone looking to reduce their water usage and environmental footprint.
Consider this: water leaks account for 10 to 12% of water wasted in our homes. So, we’ll use 11% of households with water leaks in California to make our calculations. First, that means 11% or 4,394,221.26 households have a water leak that wastes 90 gallons daily, as the EPA stated. Below is what we can save by fixing our household water leaks by using the numbers provided by the EPA of 90 gallons of water loss per day for ten percent of households:
Gallons of Water (GOW) Saved Annually if Homeowner Fix their Water Leaks
3% of Households (107,858,158) can Save – 3,543,140,490,300 GOW
4% of Households (159,789,864) can Save – 5,249,097,032,400 – GOW
5% of Households (199,737,330) can Save – 6,561,371,290,500 – GOW
6% of Households (239,684,796)can Save – 7,873,645,548,600 – GOW
Here is some advice and takeaways. It doesn’t take much to make significant headways in water conservation.
- Check for water leaks.
- Replace water-guzzling faucets and aerators.
- Replace water-guzzling showerheads.
- Turn the water off while shaving and brushing.
- Replace old toilets with a toilet that uses 1.28 GPF or less.
- Don’t brush your teeth or shave in the shower while the water is running.
- Check your water pressure every quarter. High water pressure can wreak havoc on appliances and your plumbing system, in addition to wasting water. Water pressure should be set between 45 and 65 PSI.
- If it’s in the budget and your water heater has seen plenty of use, consider a new standard or tankless water heater. Homeowners can save 34% in energy costs over heaters sold ten years ago.
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget what we have gone through regarding water troubles in the past. A good couple of years and some good water supplies can cause Californians to let down their guard.
According to the EPA:
“The average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year, and ten percent of homes have leaks that waste 90 gallons or more per day. Common types of leaks found in the home are worn toilet flappers, dripping faucets, and other leaking valves.”
Easy Way to Check for Leaks
The U.S. Geological Survey provides the public with a simple tool that allows the calculation of water waste based on a leaky faucet or shower that drips. It will show you how fast water waste can add up. You can also take proactive steps and run a “leak check” in your home.
1. Turn off ALL the water in your home.
2. Check your home’s water meter. Most meters have one of two dials, a circular or triangle dial. These dials are called leak indicators or flow indicators. When water is on in the home, the dials will spin.
3. With all the water turned off in your home, the dials should not be moving. If they are, you have a water leak.
4. Don’t stop there; you can locate the leak by turning off your irrigation to your landscaping.
5. With the water in your home still turned to “off,” turn your landscaping irrigation system off (sprinkler system).
6. The water leak is in your home if the meter is still moving while your irrigation is turned off. If it stops, the leak is in the irrigation.
10% Of Homes Waste 90 Gallons of Water a Day
Our water waste goes unnoticed; if we don’t see a leak, we don’t think we have one. Many of us see a dripping faucet, showerhead, or outdoor spigot, and we don’t think much of it. The EPA stated that ten percent of all the homes in America waste 90 gallons of water a day, totaling one trillion gallons of water waste a year. The EPA said, “Leaks may cause a home to lose 10,000 gallons of water yearly.” Many of our leaks go unnoticed because we can’t see them. As Californians, we can’t let our guard down because the drought is over; we must act responsibly regarding water conservation.
Why Big B’s Plumbing is Committed to a Hands-on Approach When it Comes to Water Conservation
As a plumbing service provider, they understand the critical role plumbing fixtures play in the responsible use of water resources. They actively promote and implement water-saving solutions for their clients, helping households and businesses reduce their environmental footprint and save on water bills.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by Big B’s Plumbing is the installation of high-efficiency plumbing fixtures. They advocate using WaterSense-labeled products, including faucets, showerheads, and toilets, designed to use less water without compromising performance. By replacing old, water-guzzling fixtures with these efficient alternatives, Way Big B’s Plumbing helps its customers conserve water and reduce utility costs.
Additionally, the company offers expert advice and guidance on water-saving practices. They educate their clients on simple yet effective ways to minimize water waste, such as fixing leaks promptly and adopting responsible water use habits. Big B’s Plumbing provides valuable plumbing services and contributes to a more sustainable and eco-conscious community through its hands-on approach and commitment to water conservation.
