With more than 30 years’ experience in the residential and commercial water treatment space, Mark Nelson is a Class 1 Drinking-Water Operator and a CBWA (Canadian Bottled Water Association) Certified Plant Operator. As founder and president of Nelson Water in Ottawa, Mark focuses on dealing with challenging water treatment system designs for problem water. He also heads the largest water bottling plant in the city of Ottawa with a delivery network throughout the Valley.

Many of us are environmentally aware and want to look at ways to live a greener life. One area that is of particular concern is water conservation. Water is a precious and limited resource, so it is crucial to think about ways to conserve water. So, here we’ll explore ten sustainable living ways that you can conserve water and save money on your utility bills.

Turn Off Your Taps

Many of us have poor habits when it comes to water usage. Even though it doesn’t seem like much, keeping your tap running when you’re shaving or brushing your teeth could waste 15 to 20 liters of water. This is approximately how much water a family in the third world uses in a whole day. So, turn off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth and put the plug in the sink every time you shave.

Soak Your Dishes

Many people have the habit of scraping dirty dishes in running water before putting them in the dishwasher. While this is common, it actually wastes a great deal of water. It is far more water efficient to soak your dishes instead. This will not only save water, but make it a lot easier to clean your dishes.

Only Run Full Appliances

Dishwashers and washing machines can use up to 50 liters of water during each cycle. If you have an older style agitator washing machine, it could be using a massive 150 liters of water. So, it is crucial that you only run your appliances when you have a full load. Fewer, fuller loads will not only save water, but provide better value for money.

If you live in a smaller household or struggle to get a full load, consider upgrading to a more energy efficient appliance. These types of appliances typically have a half load program, which uses less water, energy, and detergent if you need to run it when it isn’t full.

Take Shorter Showers

There is nothing quite like a long, hot shower to get going in the morning or relaxing in a hot bath at the end of the day. No one is expecting you to completely eradicate these little luxuries, but think about whether you could cut a few minutes off your shower or fill your tub halfway rather than completely full. This will save water, time, and money on your water heater bills.

Switch to Water Saving Devices

If you simply cannot live without a long shower, consider installing a low flow showerhead. These devices use less water pressure, so deliver an impressive shower with less water. You could also upgrade to a ULF (Ultra Low Flush) toilet. These are just as effective, but use less water per flush. These types of devices can be easily installed, yet can significantly reduce your water usage.

Use a Water Softener

Hard water is a common water quality issue, but it can have a massive impact on your water conservation. Hard water occurs when there is an excessive amount of magnesium and calcium in your water supply. Unfortunately, these minerals can accumulate inside your fixtures, appliances, and pipes, reducing water flow.

The other side effect of hard water is that it can compromise the efficiency of water using appliances and impact your bathing. The hard water minerals interact with soaps and detergents, making it more difficult to wash your clothes, dishes, body, and hair, and increasing your water usage.

A water softener can eliminate these hard water minerals to improve the water quality issues around your home and, as a consequence, reduce your water use.

Fix any Plumbing Leaks

If you’ve noticed that your water bills continue to increase, despite your water conservation efforts, it is likely that you have a water leak somewhere in your home. Even a small leak can waste litres of water each day, and it may be causing structural damage to your home. Many leaks are easy to spot, as you can hear a tap dripping or a toilet running, but occasionally leaks are concealed behind walls or under floors, making them more difficult to detect.

The best way to determine if you have a hidden water leak is to not use any fixtures and water using appliances and take a reading from your water meter. Wait 30 minutes to an hour and then go back and recheck the meter. Since you’ve not used any water, the reading should be the same; if it is not, then you have a leak.

It is a good idea to have your plumbing checked and any leaks repaired as soon as possible.

Ensure Your Sprinklers Are Efficient

Sprinklers are a great way to maintain your lawn, but many people don’t configure their system correctly. If your sprinklers are watering your sidewalk and driveway, they are wasting precious water.

Drip Irrigate Your Plants

Although it is tempting to let your sprinklers handle all of your watering requirements, much of this water may be lost through runoff and evaporation. So if you have few plants or a small garden, try to drip irrigate your plants. This will avoid overwatering your plants, yet they will have the water they need for optimum growth.

Reuse Water for Your Landscaping

Instead of washing fruits and vegetables in running water, use a bowl of water to rinse your items. Although this water cannot be used for personal use or drinking, it could be used to water your plants. This form of water recycling is a very sustainable method, yet it will keep your garden green and healthy.

Small steps can make a real difference to your water usage and ensure a more sustainable lifestyle. This will do your bit to keep the planet healthy and habitable. If you would like more ideas for sustainable living and water conservation, be sure to speak to your local water specialist. Experienced technicians can advise you on even more easy ways to conserve water in and around your home for a greener lifestyle.