Summer Water Conservation Tips: How to Save Water and Money

Summer Water Conservation Tips: How to Save Water and Money

As summer arrives, the days get longer, the temperatures rise, and water usage increases. Between keeping lawns green, filling up the pool, and staying cool with sprinklers or showers, water bills tend to spike. But there are plenty of ways you can reduce your water consumption, save money, and still enjoy all the benefits of summer. In this blog, we’ll share some practical water conservation tips to help you cut back on your usage without sacrificing comfort.

1. Water Your Lawn Wisely

Your lawn is one of the biggest water users during the summer, but there are ways to keep it green without wasting water.

• Water Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening: Watering your lawn during the early morning or late evening hours helps prevent evaporation caused by the midday sun. This ensures that the water reaches the roots and doesn’t just evaporate into the air.
• Use a Rain Barrel: Collect rainwater in a rain barrel to water your garden or lawn. This is a sustainable and cost-effective way to reduce your water usage.
• Install a Smart Irrigation System: Upgrade your sprinkler system to a smart irrigation system that adjusts the water schedule based on weather conditions. This helps avoid over-watering and ensures your lawn gets just the right amount of moisture.

2. Fix Leaks Quickly

A small drip might seem like no big deal, but over time, those little leaks can add up to gallons of wasted water.

• Inspect for Leaks: Check faucets, showerheads, and pipes for any leaks. If you notice a leak, fix it as soon as possible to prevent unnecessary water wastage.
• Replace Old Fixtures: Consider replacing older, inefficient faucets and showerheads with low-flow models. These fixtures can reduce water usage by as much as 50% without sacrificing water pressure.

3. Switch to Low-Flow Fixtures

One of the easiest ways to save water is to install low-flow fixtures in your kitchen, bathroom, and outdoor spaces.

• Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads: These fixtures are designed to use less water while maintaining adequate pressure. Switching to low-flow showerheads, aerators, and faucets can cut your water consumption by a significant amount.
• Efficient Toilets: Consider upgrading to a high-efficiency toilet that uses less water per flush. Older toilets can use up to 5 gallons per flush, while newer models use as little as 1.28 gallons, saving water and money.

4. Shorten Your Showers

Long, hot showers may feel great on a summer day, but they can lead to excessive water usage.

• Take Shorter Showers: Cutting your shower time down by just a few minutes can save hundreds of gallons of water each month. A quick, refreshing shower is just as effective as a long one and helps conserve water.
• Turn Off the Water When Washing: If you’re shaving or washing your hair, turn off the water while you’re lathering or scrubbing. This simple action can save a significant amount of water over time.

5. Use Water-Efficient Appliances

During the summer months, your washing machine and dishwasher work overtime, especially with all those extra loads of laundry and dishes.

• Run Full Loads: Only run your washing machine or dishwasher when they’re full. This reduces the number of cycles and helps save both water and energy.
• Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Models: If your appliances are old and inefficient, consider upgrading to water-efficient models that use less water per cycle. Energy Star-rated washers and dishwashers are great options for reducing water consumption.

6. Install a Pool Cover

If you have a swimming pool, evaporation can lead to significant water loss, especially in the hot summer months.

• Use a Pool Cover: Using a pool cover when your pool isn’t in use can drastically reduce evaporation, saving thousands of gallons of water over the summer. Plus, it’ll help keep the pool cleaner, reducing the need for chemicals and maintenance.

7. Avoid the Garden Hose for Cleaning

During summer, we often use a garden hose to clean everything from the driveway to the car. However, garden hoses can waste a lot of water.

• Use a Broom or Pressure Washer: Instead of using the hose to clean outdoor areas, try using a broom to sweep driveways or patios. If you must use water, a pressure washer uses less water than a hose while being more effective.
• Wash Your Car with a Bucket: Washing your car with a bucket of soapy water and a sponge can save gallons compared to using a running hose.

8. Mulch Your Garden Beds

Mulching around plants and garden beds can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering.

• Use Organic Mulch: Apply mulch around your plants to help the soil retain moisture and regulate temperature. This will reduce the frequency of watering needed, helping you conserve water while keeping your garden healthy.

9. Check Your Sprinkler System

Sprinkler systems are one of the biggest culprits of water wastage, especially when they’re improperly calibrated or running during rainy days.

• Adjust Your Sprinklers: Ensure that your sprinkler system is properly adjusted so that it’s watering only the areas that need it, like your lawn and garden beds. Avoid watering sidewalks, driveways, or other non-landscaped areas.
• Set a Timer: Set timers on your sprinklers to avoid over-watering. An automatic timer will help you control the amount of time each area gets watered.

Conclusion

Conserving water during the summer doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort or convenience—it’s all about making smarter choices. By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your water usage, lower your utility bills, and help protect the environment. From simple fixes like repairing leaks to larger changes like upgrading to water-efficient appliances, every small step counts.

If you’re looking to take your water conservation efforts a step further, contact us today! Our expert plumbers can help with everything from installing low-flow fixtures to inspecting your irrigation system to ensure you’re making the most of your water usage this summer.