Water Conservation In and Around Your Property

Each year, we hear about ongoing droughts in various regions of the United States and around the world. Even if you live in an area where water still seems abundant, inefficient water usage can rack up large costs to your household budget as well as to your community. Taking steps to reduce water consumption protects an increasingly scarce resource.

Water conservation in the home

According to Eartheasy, three-fourths of the average American’s indoor water consumption took place in the bathroom, with toilet usage accounting for a large share of the total, at 28%. That’s why it is especially important to check for leaks in bathroom plumbing - one of the most common sources of water waste in the home. A leaky faucet or toilet can waste anywhere between 20-150 gallons of water per day.

• Test your toilet.
• Use food dye to color the water in your tank. Check back within an hour. If you see colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired.
• Fix leaky showerheads and faucets.
• Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators to reduce the number of gallons per minute. These do not require hiring a plumber, and oftentimes can be done without having to break out the toolbox.
• Only run the dishwasher when full.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth, shaving, or rinsing dishes.

Yard conservation tips

Depending on you water your yard, green-space, or garden, these spaces can account for 60% of a household’s water usage.

• Keeping pools covered when not in use saves hundreds of gallons of water per month from evaporating.
• Consider replacing grass with native plants that need less water.
• Planting more trees, tall plants, and bushes increases shade and reduces the need to water as often.
• Grass cut too short dries out much more quickly and requires more frequent watering.
• Water your lawn only once per week when needed, using a deep soak method in the early morning.

Doing the math: it all adds up  

Maximizing efficient water usage can cut the gallons of water you use by tens or hundreds per day. When a community commits to water efficiency, it can avoid sewage spills that pollute local lakes and streams, as well as ease the burden of your local water infrastructure system. Treating used water takes a good amount of electricity, so when you reduce water waste, you can reduce your community’s electricity usage.

To learn more water usage facts, such as how many gallons it takes to produce a cup of coffee,do laundry, or even fly across the country, see here.

For over 35 years, Alaska Management Group has been meeting the property management needs of associations and planned communities throughout Alaska, including Anchorage, Palmer, Eagle River, Wasilla, and more. To learn more about us, please visit http://www.bonanzarealty.net/ or call (907) 333-1244.