Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes months of blistering hot pipes. Before you surrender to a fate of exorbitant summer water bills, plan ahead with some cost saving ideas. From undersink water filters, to DIY options, there are tons of ways to save on your water bill this summer.
Store chilled water
Throughout the summer, we rely on a steady stream of chilled water. From quenching our own thirst to watering indoor plants, we need cool water to beat the heat of summer. As water sits in the pipes during the summer months it begins to heat up. When we open the tap faucet to pour ourselves a glass of water, we often let the water fun for a while before we fill our iced glasses, watering can, or our pet’s water bowls. Every time we do this, we are racking up water fees.
A cost-effective option is to have a ready supply of chilled water in the house so you don’t have to run your faucet. There are a variety of options for indoor water filters, so do your research to see what fit your family’s needs.
Don’t Use your Garbage Disposal
Using your garbage disposal requires a steady stream of water to prevent food from jamming the blades. Instead, save your food waste in a tightly covered container and use as compost. This will not only save your water bill, but will also save your big money on your summer gardening budget. For tips on home composting best practices, read full article.
Develop a Summer Landscaping Strategy
There are a lot of ways to save money when it comes to watering your lawn. By developing a watering strategy, you can save hundreds of gallons of water over the course of a summer. One idea is to set your sprinkler system to water the lawn before the sun comes up and after the sun goes down. When you water your lawn in the middle of the say, much of the water is lost to evaporation. Also, check the weather forecast for the week.
With summer comes rain, so let the summer rain do most of the work and use your sprinkler system or garden hose to supplement as needed. It’s also a good idea to talk to your local nursery about summer planting. They can recommend some beautiful alternatives, such as succulents, to the more water dependent options. Click here to read more on plants requiring less water.
Most importantly, follow common sense conservation practices. Limit your shower times, especially if you take more than one in the summer months, check your house for leaks regularly, and invest in appliances that are both energy efficient.
