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Easy Ways to Control Water Use

Wednesday | January 25, 2023
All News

Easy Ways to Control Water Use, Save Money

 

Conserving water at home can result in several downstream benefits and savings. Being mindful of home water use helps preserve the amount of water in our local reservoirs and reduces costs associated with water and wastewater treatment, including the cost of delivering it to the home (for those using a public water service).

Leaky toilets, showerheads and dripping faucets can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water annually. Home water conservation can simply start by checking your house for any leaks and drips. Another simple way to conserve water is to limit running water when it isn’t necessary. For example, turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth, and defrost food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of placing frozen food under running water.

Home gardens are another potential area for water conservation. Thoughtful planning can transform your home garden from a water drain to a water-efficient oasis.

Start by planting drought-resistant plants or those with minimal water needs. Group the plants by similar water needs to avoid waste by watering from plant-to-plant. Additionally, a drip irrigation system for plants that require more water can boost efficiency by using less water over a longer period. Alternatively, set lawn sprinklers on a timer to limit water use and place them where the water will only reach plants, not pavement.

Another conservation option is to use a rain barrel to collect water for non-potable purposes. Most states allow rainwater harvesting, but some restrictions may apply. In Kansas, rainwater harvesting is legal for domestic use. Harvested rainwater is an excellent option for watering ornate gardens and washing cars.

Another option for collecting water for the garden is to collect cold water that runs while you’re waiting on the water to heat. Every drop of running water you can utilize helps.

Reducing water use at home can also help lower your energy use. The Department of Energy estimates that water heating accounts for about 20% of a home’s energy bill. Switching to an energy efficient heat pump water heater can save considerable money on electric bills. Heat pump water heaters have higher upfront costs than storage tank models, but tax incentives and potential rebates can offset this cost. Check with your local electric cooperative to see if they offer rebates or a load management program.

If upgrading your water heater isn’t an option, there are small changes you can make to increase water heating efficiency. Reduce hot water use by switching to low-flow faucets and showerheads. You can also turn down the water heater thermostat to 120 degrees and insulate hot water lines to increase energy savings.

Additional ways to conserve both water and electricity in the home include upgrading clothes washers and dishwashers to newer, more energy efficient models. Running these appliances only when full or selecting a “light wash” setting reduces water and electricity use. Washing dishes by hand uses more water than an energy efficient dishwasher, so avoid this method when possible.

If your home uses well water, it’s important to be mindful of water conservation, particularly in drier climates. Well pumps run on electricity and can be a source of higher energy bills. Dry, over pumped wells can cause the pump to run continuously, using excess energy in the process. Malfunctioning well pumps also lead to spikes in energy use. Regular maintenance can help identify problems, such as leaks and faulty intake, which can lead to increased use of both water and electricity.

As you can see, there are a variety of changes –– some large, some small –– that can help you conserve water at home. Regardless of how you do it, thoughtfully managing water use can protect our water supply and make significant changes on energy bills.

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  • Home
  • Member Center
    • Manage My Account
      • SmartHub
      • Bill Pay Options
      • Understanding Your Bill
      • Late and Delinquent Bills
      • New Service, Transfers and Disconnects
      • Pay Ahead Power Program
      • Update Your Contact Information
    • Payment Assistance
      • LIEAP
      • Payment Arrangements
      • Kansas Weatherization Program
      • Payment Assistance Resources
    • Efficient Energy
    • Explanation of a Conservation Plea and Load Shed
    • Capital Credits
    • Cold Weather Rule
    • Member Handbook
  • Your Community
    • Community Commitment
    • Youth Tour and Cooperative Leadership Camp
    • Scholarship Opportunities
    • CoBank Sharing Success Grant Program
  • Cooperative Information
    • About Lane-Scott Electric
      • Lane-Scott Electric Profile
      • Meet Our Team
      • History
      • Bylaws
    • Contact the Board of Trustees
    • Annual Meeting
    • Rate Schedule
    • Advanced Metering Infastructure
    • Cold Weather Rule
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Understanding Demand
    • Renewable Energy
    • Board of Trustee Election Information
  • News and Communication
    • Lane-Scott Electric Newsletter
    • Receive Email and Text Message Notifications
    • In the News
    • Current Member Promotions, Opportunities, and Information
    • Members Satisfaction Survey Results
  • Electric, HVAC Service and Supply Department
    • Services and Retail Store
    • Generac Generators
  • Outages and Safety
    • Outages
      • Outage Center
      • Outage Map
    • Safety
      • Dig Safe and KS One Call
      • Power Line Safety
      • Safety on the Farm
      • Generator Safety
      • Trees and Power Lines
      • Electrical Safety Demonstrations
    • Staying Prepared: Energy Emergency Alerts Explained