While some regions of the country have been battling severe flooding conditions, a considerable chunk of the U.S. is struggling with the opposite problem: drought. Communities across the country face tough challenges to help them maintain a healthy and affordable water supply. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends several simple tactics to help homeowners limit their water use — which averages 260 gallons of water each day per household.
- Install water-efficient appliances and fixtures: WaterSense and ENERGYSTAR®, programs sponsored by EPA, have identified high-performance, water-efficient appliances, fixtures, water systems and accessories that reduce water use in the home and help preserve the nation’s water resources.
- Upgrade to a water-efficient toilet: Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of residential indoor water consumption. A switch to a high-efficiency toilet can save a family of four $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilet.
- Focus on faucets and showerheads: Faucets and showerheads account for approximately 32 percent of all home water use, the EPA says. High-efficiency fixtures, marked with the “WaterSense” label, can provide a huge reduction in a household’s annual water consumption.
- Landscape wisely: By using native plants in the yard as part of a greenscape, homeowners will be able to spare the expense and hassle of watering a large swath of lawn. Trees, shrubs and other leafy plants can help absorb rainfall and reduce runoff.
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Photo courtesy of Dillon Scheps
