Conserving water

Many areas of the world are experiencing drought and water shortages that are expected to worsen due to climate change.  Water conservation will become ever more important in these areas as water supplies become less abundant.  Even in locations where there is plenty of rainfall, conserving water in your yard, home, or business will reduce energy use and carbon emissions.  Per the US Environmental Protection Agency, in the US, “on average, the annual energy used to deliver and treat water for only 10 households could power a refrigerator for more than two years.  In some areas of the country, that estimate is very low.  Heating water for showering, bathing, shaving, cooking, and cleaning also requires a considerable amount of energy.”  As another example from the US EPA, “letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as letting a 60-watt light bulb run for 14 hours.”  The article at the link below has a lot of information on conserving water, with many links to other articles.  Here are a few of the highlights:

• Fix leaks. 
• Turn off the water when you are not using it (such as while brushing your teeth or peeling vegetables).
• Consider installing faucets and appliances designed to use less water.  When it’s time to buy a dishwasher or clothes washer, look at water efficiency in addition to energy efficiency. 
• If you only need a small amount of hot water, heat it in an electric kettle instead of running the hot water faucet until you get hot water.  Put a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the faucet until the water gets cold.
• Use less water on outdoor plants and landscaping.  Per the US EPA, “of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the US, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use.  In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household's outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.”  Use native plants and choose low-water varieties if you will be watering the plants.  Adjust sprinkler systems so that you are not watering sidewalks and streets, and adjust the timing so that you are not overwatering.  Use mulch to reduce evaporation and water shrubs with trickle lines. 

https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving