| We've all heard about conserving water on the | | | | cups of water than to waste gallons of water |
| evening news. Water shortages and drought | | | | waiting for it to get hot. |
| conditions in several counties across the country and | | | | 5. Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge so you |
| local municipalities invoking rate hikes and water | | | | always a cold glass of water without running the |
| restrictions that can affect you and your family. | | | | faucet. |
| Whether or not you live in an affected area, there | | | | 6. Fix leaky faucets. If you have a faucet that drips |
| are several easy steps families can take to reduce | | | | you are wasting gallons of water every day. Usually, |
| their water consumption just in the kitchen alone. | | | | its something as simple as replacing a simple o ring in |
| Here are 8 easy tips to get you started. | | | | the faucet handle or tightening the screw that holds |
| 1. Only run the dishwasher when its completely FULL. | | | | it together that can stop the leak. There are many |
| Half loads waste water and your machine runs more | | | | online fix it websites that will show you step by step |
| efficiently when fully loaded. | | | | how to fix simple leaks. |
| 2. When handwashing dishes only fill the sink half full | | | | 7. If you live in an older home make sure your |
| of water. You don't need to completely fill the sink to | | | | plumbing is kept up to date whenever possible as |
| scrub the dishes or pans. Don't run the water as you | | | | most leaky pipes are caused by poor plumbing |
| wash the dishes. And don't rinse the dishes until you | | | | maintenance or improper connections. |
| are done. Then rinse them all at once. | | | | 8. If you are planning to update your kitchen |
| 3. When cooking with water ( boiling eggs, pasta, or | | | | appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, etc) be sure to |
| vegetables ) don't throw it out when you are done. | | | | check their energy rating and buy the most efficient |
| Let it cool and use it to water your plants. The | | | | one possible. Most manufacturers have the ratings |
| nutrients in the water are better for your plants and | | | | listed right on the door of the appliance so it is easy |
| then you don't have to use fresh water from your | | | | to comparison shop. It may cost you extra to buy a |
| faucet. | | | | higher, more efficient model but you will save money |
| 4. Do not run the faucet to get a few cups of hot | | | | over the long run. |
| water. It takes less energy to microwave a few | | | | |