5 WAYS TO SAVE ON YOUR WATER BILL

BY DEREK RILEY

Warmer weather means you’re bathing more, watering plants, filling swimming pools and making gallons of iced beverages. Despite all that extra water usage, you can help reduce your water bill by following these simple tips.

1. STOP LEAKS

Check all your faucets for leaks. A month of drips can add up to anywhere from 200-250 gallons of wasted water. Also, be sure to check your toilet. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank and waiting 15 minutes before flushing. If any food coloring appears in the bowl before flushing, you have a leak. If you decide to buy a new toilet, look for one with the EPA WaterSense label. They use at least 20% less water than a standard toilet.

2. SHOWER POWER

The EPA reports showering saves significant amounts of water. A bathtub can use 30 gallons or more, depending on the water depth. If you DO soak in the tub, use the bath water on your plants. Try to limit your showers to 5 minutes or less. Also, think about getting a water-efficient showerhead to save even more.

3. GO EASY ON THE DISHWASHER

Run the dishwasher only when it’s fully loaded and use the economy setting. Newer models run on different cycles, so check your manufacturer’s recommendations for the most efficient setting. Also, scrape dishes rather than rinsing them before placing them in the dishwasher.

4. GARBAGE DISPOSALS: CASH DOWN THE DRAIN

Want to know how to lower your water bill even more?

Garbage disposals use as much as 4 gallons of water per minute! Consider disposing of food waste by composting or by wrapping it and placing it in the trash.

5. OUTDOOR WATER USE

It’s okay to let the soil dry out between waterings. Water your vegetables and annuals as soon as they start to wilt. Perennials are tougher and only need water when they get droopy. Water during the cooler parts of the day to reduce evaporation. Make sure your sprinkler is only watering plants and grass, not your sidewalk. Check hoses for leaks and collect rainwater in barrels to water plants. The EPA suggests using soaker hoses because they use less water than sprinklers.

EYE-OPENING FACTS

These facts from the EPA may inspire you to do a few things differently.

• The average family of four uses about 100 gallons of water per day.

• Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth twice a day can save over 100 gallons a month.

• A high-efficiency toilet saves 2.2 - 5.7 gallons/flush.

• Letting your faucet run for five minutes uses about as much energy as leaving a 60-watt bulb on for 22 hrs.

• Less than 1% of the water on earth is available for people’s everyday use.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

These tips not only provide you with ways to save water at home but also help you save money, time, and our planet! A few small changes can make a big difference.

To further protect your budget, consider signing up for an American Home Shield® home warranty. Our home warranty plans cover up to 23 major systems and appliances. Plus, you can select add-on coverage for things like your pool and spa, roof leak repair, and a guest unit. We understand that there are many costs involved with being a homeowner—and rising utility bills are just some of them. That’s why we’ve created three plans at different price points, so you can have peace of mind that your budget will be protected when a covered system or appliance breaks down from normal wear and tear.

Derek Riley, Market Manager Cell: 480-286-1996 • Email: derek.riley@ahs.com