You may not know it but you are lucky. You presumably have a modern toilet and a shower. You may be surprised to know that billions of people around the world have trouble accessing clean water. 2.5 billion people don’t have access to safe sanitation or fecal waste management. You should consider treating your clean water like the precious resource that it really is. Here are three ways you just might be letting that precious resource go right down the drain:
1. Your toilet is out of date.
Way back in the 1950s, toilets needed more than seven gallons to for on flush. Since then, that number has dropped to 1.6 gallons. If you’re using a toilet that was made in the 1980s, you might be using twice the water a newer model needs. Aside from the environmental impact, you are no doubt adding to your water bill. Consider checking out newer, water efficient toilets. Switching could save your family $50 to $100 per year!
2. You take too many baths.
Bathing in hot water is relaxing, sure. But the water it takes to fill up your bathtub likely far exceeds the water it would take to clean yourself in the shower. Not to mention, baths are known for encouraging dry, itchy skin. Whirlpool shower baths may be just what you need to manage you stress, but it’s not helping you manage your water usage at all. If you have to take a bath, consider finding a friend! Some corner tubs are big enough to fit two and are a nice walk in tub option!
If you switch to water efficient toilets and continue to mindful about your tub time, you are likely making a huge impact on your water usage. Every little bit makes a huge difference when it comes to water conservation!