In April, we celebrate Earth Day – a chance to reflect on our footprint and appreciate our environment. And with so many water conservation efforts planned in Oklahoma City this month, it’s worth exploring the different ways we can make a difference.
At BL3 Inc., we work with residents and businesses to help them conserve water and save money with plumbing upgrades that improve the energy efficiency of their homes. And many homeowners are surprised to learn that going green with water-saving techniques can actually be far more affordable than they initially thought.
To help you join in on the water conservation efforts, here are 8 simple and unexpected ways to save money and conserve water in Oklahoma City!
8 Ways To Conserve Water and Save Money in Oklahoma City
1. Install Low-Flow Faucets and Showerheads
Low-flow faucets and showerheads are essential plumbing upgrades that can greatly reduce water consumption in your home. An average family of four can reduce their water use by 30% per year by switching to low-flow fixtures!
And not only do these low-flow faucets offer water savings, but the long-term savings will also be well worth your investment. Installing low-flow faucets and showerheads can reduce water usage, translating into hundreds of dollars in annual savings. These fixtures are designed to aerate the water, creating a strong and efficient flow using less water than traditional fixtures.
Another benefit of low-flow fixtures is that they reduce pressure on your household plumbing system. High water pressure can damage pipes, joints, and appliances over time, leading to costly leaks and repairs. Low-flow fixtures reduce water pressure and minimize wear and tear on your plumbing, prolonging its lifespan.
When choosing low-flow fixtures, it’s essential to consider the flow rate. It’s also important to choose fixtures that meet EPA WaterSense standards, ensuring they are certified to be water-efficient and perform well!
2. Update Your Toilets Too
Another great way to save water in Oklahoma City is by installing high-efficiency toilets. Choose one with an EPA WaterSense certification label when shopping for a new toilet. Toilets that are certified efficient use no more than 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf) and have been rigorously tested for performance and durability.
High-efficiency toilets can significantly reduce your water consumption and save you money in the long run. Installing one of these fixtures can save up to tens of thousands of gallons of water each year, depending on the size of your family.
Additionally, toilets that are designed to be efficient use less water to flush, meaning less wear and tear on your household plumbing system. This prolongs the life of your plumbing fixtures, reducing repairs and maintenance costs in the long run.
And when you don't have to worry about plumbing problems, you'll have more money in your pocket to enjoy the things that matter most.
3. Check for Leaks (Even Sneaky Ones)
Fixing leaks in your plumbing system can save both water and money. Even the smallest leaks can waste thousands of gallons of water every year, leading to higher utility bills and a significant environmental impact.
Leaky faucets, showerheads, and toilets are common culprits when it comes to water waste in the home. In fact, according to the EPA, leaks waste up to 900 billion gallons of water each year. This not only adds up financially, but it's also a significant strain on our local water supply.
The good news is that fixing leaks is often a simple and inexpensive task that a plumber can do. By fixing these leaks, you're not only conserving water, but you're also preventing potential damage to your plumbing system. Leaks can cause water damage, mold growth, and even structural problems if left untreated.
To check for leaks in your plumbing system, start by looking for any visible signs of water damage, such as wet spots or discoloration on ceilings or walls. Next, check all faucets, showerheads, and toilets for leaks. You never know where a leak might be hiding!
Finally, you can use your water meter to check for any unseen leaks in your plumbing system. If the water meter is running even when nothing is being used, there may be a hidden leak somewhere. In this case, it's best to call a professional plumber as soon as possible to inspect and repair the issue before it becomes a bigger problem.
4. Use a Rain Barrel To Save Water
One of the most effective ways to conserve water in Oklahoma City is by using a rain barrel. Rain barrels are designed to collect and store rainwater that can be used for watering plants, gardens, lawns, and other outdoor needs.
"But aren't rain barrels outdated and unnecessary in Oklahoma City?" you might ask. The answer is a resounding no! Rain barrels are not only an essential tool for conserving water, but they can also save you money on your monthly utility bills.
Rain barrels capture and collect runoff from roofs, driveways, walkways, and other surfaces. This can significantly reduce the amount of water typically used to water your lawn or garden. And, since the water comes from the sky and not from your tap, it's totally free!
Installing a rain barrel is simple and easy. All you need to do is purchase one (you can find them at most hardware stores), attach it securely to the downspout of your gutter system, and then collect the rainwater.
By using a rain barrel to capture and store water for your outdoor needs, you can reduce your reliance on city-provided water and save money in the process. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
5. Install Smart Irrigation Systems
For homeowners looking to conserve water and save money, a smart irrigation system can be an invaluable asset. Smart irrigation systems use sensors and controllers to optimize the watering of your lawn or garden. This not only conserves water but also reduces the amount of time you have to spend manually watering your plants.
Smart irrigation systems are designed to adjust their settings based on the current weather conditions. This means that the system can adjust its programming to account for rain, drought, and other environmental factors to maximize water efficiency and minimize waste.
In addition to conserving water and saving time, smart irrigation systems can save you money on utility bills. By ensuring that your plants are correctly watered, you can avoid over-watering and under-watering, which can cause damage to your plants and increase water usage.
So if you're looking for an easy way to conserve water in Oklahoma City, consider investing in a smart irrigation system. You'll be glad you did!
6. Upgrade to Water-Saving Appliances
When conserving water and reducing your monthly utility bills, upgrading to water-saving appliances is a smart choice. Dishwashers and washing machines are two of the biggest water users in your home, and older models can use significantly more water than newer, energy-efficient models.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), newer dishwashers use an average of 3-5 gallons of water per cycle, while older models can use up to 10 gallons per cycle.
By upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model, you can reduce not only your water usage but also your energy usage. Energy Star-certified appliances are designed to use less water and less energy per cycle, saving you money on utility bills and reducing environmental impact.
In addition to lower water and energy usage, newer appliances often come with other water-saving features. For example, some dishwashers have efficient spray nozzles and advanced sensors that can detect the soil level on your dishes and adjust the water usage accordingly. This allows you to get a good clean with less water and energy, saving you even more money.
7. Install a Greywater System
If you're looking for even more ways to conserve water in Oklahoma City, consider installing a greywater system in your home. Greywater systems are designed for recycling water from showers, sinks, and washing machines, allowing it to be reused for various tasks.
By diverting greywater away from your sewer or septic system, you can significantly reduce water usage and save money on utility bills. Instead of using fresh, treated water for tasks like flushing toilets or irrigating your yard, you can use recycled greywater, which is perfectly safe and sanitary.
Greywater systems are also environmentally friendly, as they reduce the strain on local water supplies and decrease the amount of wastewater that needs to be treated and discharged. In fact, according to the EPA, a well-designed greywater system can reduce the average household's water usage by as much as 40 percent!
8. Create a Water-Smart Landscape
When designing your garden in Oklahoma City, it's essential to consider the water needs of your plants. Opting for native, drought-tolerant species is a great way to conserve water and minimize waste. These types of plants have adapted to the local climate and are better equipped to survive during periods of drought.
Native plants can also provide other benefits for your garden. They attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which can help improve the health of your garden and the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, they often require less fertilizer and pesticides than non-native species, which can reduce your environmental impact.
And have you ever considered creating a water-smart landscape? These gardens are designed to reduce water usage while providing a beautiful and vibrant landscape. Incorporating features like mulch, compost, and permeable surfaces can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing evaporation and helping your plants thrive.
Learn How To Conserve Water in Oklahoma City with BL3 Inc.
This Earth Day (and every day), take action and reduce your water usage. By following the tips above, you can conserve water in Oklahoma City and make a positive environmental difference.
At BL3 Inc., our mission is to help Oklahomans learn how to conserve water through education and awareness. Our plumbing and water conservation services are designed to help you reduce your water usage and save money on your utility bills.
Plus, we offer a wide selection of energy-efficient appliance installation services, making it easy to upgrade your home and enjoy the benefits of energy-saving appliances.
Contact BL3 Inc. today to learn more about our services and take action to conserve water in Oklahoma City! Help us make a difference this Earth Day – together, we can protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
