Lowe's Offers Tips on How to Save Water
In addition to taking shorter showers and only washing full loads of laundry, people can increase their water savings and decrease expenses by tackling a few simple projects around the home with help from Lowe’s, the 2009 Energy Star® Retail Partner of the Year.
Knock off a third of your annual water costs by incorporating easy fixes and adjustments indoors.
- Consider using an energy-efficient qualifying washer and use about 55 percent less water, saving up to 7,000 gallons.
- Install a WaterSense®-labeled bathroom faucet, which can reduce a sink’s water flow by 30 percent without sacrificing performance. Installing these throughout the average home can save more than 500 gallons of water each year – the equivalent of 8,000 cups of coffee or 12 loads of laundry.
- Replace toilets installed before 2000 with a WaterSense® toilet, which uses 20 percent less water. In just two years, a WaterSense® -labeled toilet will pay for itself through utility savings and can save a family of four more than 16,000 gallons of water each year.
- Avoid water waste in the shower by investing in a low-flow showerhead. These use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute as opposed to 6 gallons per minute from old showerheads.
- Double the efficiency of a kitchen faucet made before 1994 by installing a low-flow aerator. This quick, cost-efficient project – along with a change in habits – can save hundreds of gallons a year.
Use less water outdoors this summer while keeping landscaping looking hydrated and well-maintained.
- Fill planters, window boxes, and landscaped areas with WaterWise plants, which can survive without constant watering. Choose from a variety of annuals and perennials, including Lantana, Purple Fountain Grass, Zinnias, and Oriental Poppies.
- Water the yard during the morning or evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler, which will minimize evaporation.
- Help retain moisture by using mulch around landscaping.
- Install a drip irrigation system, which can reduce water usage by up to 50 percent when properly maintained. The low-pressure, low-volume delivery system will help maximize water resources while getting the most from plants by keeping roots moist. By combining with a water timer to automate your system and protect your landscape investment, you’ll also recapture precious minutes throughout the week.