Key Causes of Excessive Water Use

There are many sources of water waste across all sectors of the economy. But, as homeowners and consumers, which ones do we have the most control over? Low Impact Living suggests you consider the following ideas when thinking about lowering your water use.

Direct Household Water Use

The typical household with three members uses over 300 gallons of water per day, both inside and outside. If you live in a warm climate where lawn irrigation is needed, then typically this is your single biggest source of waste – most lawns are over-watered, irrigated with inefficient equipment, and planted with plants not suitable to the local climate.

Inside, toilets, clothes washers and showers are the largest water users, representing 19, 15 and 12 gallons per person per day respectively (see chart to the right). There are huge inefficiencies here as well, especially in older homes. New appliances and plumbing fixtures can often shave 50% off of your water use.

All told, an average water-conserving home could cut the 300 gallon average above to less than 150 gallons with no sacrifice in comfort or performance. Specific things you can do to achieve these savings are listed below.

Indirect Water Use

In addition to the water that you use directly, you also consume water via the products and services that you buy.

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Whether you're drying your hands or cleaning up around the house, cloth towels and dish rags are the way to go. They're efficient at mopping up small spills, and come in handy for just about everything you'd need a paper towel for, and with a lot less waste.

Keep a few dish cloths readily available in the kitchen, even if it means clearing out that junk drawer to make room. Hang one from the refrigerator or oven handle, or from a decorative hook or nail placed by the sink.

Use smaller cloths for dishwashing and cleaning, and larger ones for hand and dish drying. Look for natural materials such as cotton, linen or hemp (organic if possible).

When they get dirty throw 'em in the hamper and wash them with your other household towels. No separate load needed.

Break that paper towel habit. Next time you use up the last one, recycle the cardboard roll give the cloth thing a try.

Amy says: I prefer small cotton dishrags over sponges for dishwashing and cleaning up the kitchen, and since they're washed regularly they don't have time to sit and take on that pungent, spongy smell.