Saving Water

In manufacturing, especially in textile dyeing, it is essential to save energy, reduce waste, and conserve resources such as water wherever possible.  To this end, those in manufacturing are always looking for new ways to accomplish these tasks and appropriate these resources.  We as consumers are often guilty of focusing solely on conserving energy, and tend to forget that water is a valued resource that needs to be conserved as well.  Although you may not realize it, our homes and lifestyles can be huge gluttons for water.  Why should we be saving water?

There are several benefits to saving water including: reducing cost and reducing the consumption of this natural resource.  Every gallon of water comes with upfront costs associated with provision, transport, packing (whether piped in or bottled), any pre-treatment (especially for drinking water), etc.  But there are also backend costs that aren’t usually considered during use: sewage treatment, wastewater treatment; both energy intensive processes that consume manhours, electricity, and chemicals.  Not only does reducing consumption save money for everyone involved in the water’s lifecycle pipeline, it also reduces the amount of water being removed from the environment.  Conserving available water resources can be critical to a community (human or animal), especially in areas affected by drought conditions and contaminated water.

No matter where you live, there are several things that can be done in our daily usage to reduce waste and cost by saving water.

1. Investigate your household plumbing
   1. When possible, upgrade toilets to energy efficient, low volume models
   2. Frequently check for leaks on hoses, faucets, and under-cabinet piping, repair ASAP
   3. Repair running toilets immediately
2. Upgrade appliances
   1. Use energy efficient dishwashers and washing machines
   2. Use high efficiency detergents that require less water for activation
3. Only water the essentials in your yard, it’s okay if your grass is slightly less green some days
   1. Collect and re-use rain water where you can for gardens and flower beds
      1. Really great to set up collection drums, basins below gutters
   2. Conserve sprinkler use on lawns
4. Try to limit car washes
   1. Store vehicles in covered areas, or just wash less frequently
5. Never let the water run
   1. To wash dishes, it’s always best to fill the sink instead of just running water
   2. Try running sinks at lower pressures when pressure isn’t required
   3. Leave sinks off when not in use while brushing teeth, etc.
6. Recycle old water (from bottles) to water plants, etc. instead of pouring down the drain
7. Thoroughly clean and treat poolwater to reduce pool refills (whether in or above ground)
8. Take shorter showers or use fewer shower heads

Just a few thoughts on saving water in the home!