Water is a necessity of everyday life, and using water efficiently is highly important for individuals living in desert climates. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and the Arizona Department of Water Resources, people living in desert regions may use up to 150 gallons of water daily. This translates into well over 400 gallons of water per day for a family of four. The quantity is much higher per capita than the average of 80 gallons for citizens in other parts of the country.
The high levels of water consumption in arid regions may increase the risk of water shortages and lead to higher monthly utility bills. Fortunately, there are ways to modify plumbing and help conserve the desert’s limited water supply. A look at the top plumbing improvements to save water can help you do what it takes to reduce waste and protect this natural resource within your home.
Invest in Low-Flow Faucets and Fixtures
One of the most straightforward ways to conserve water is to invest in low-flow faucets and fixtures. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), standard faucets account for around 15% of residential water usage. Low-flow fixtures can reduce water output by using special aerators that help maintain pressure levels while limiting the volume of water released. This allows faucets to retain their functionality while reducing water consumption. While standard faucets release water at a rate of 2.2 gallons per minute (GPM), low-flow fixtures can reduce this amount to 1.5 GPM. You can also look for low-flow fixtures with a label from the EPA’s WaterSense program. According to the EPA, WaterSense fixtures can reduce a sink’s water by 20%-30% per use.
Repair Plumbing Leaks
Another important step for conserving water is to promptly repair any faucet leaks and damaged pipes. According to a report from the EPA, the average household’s plumbing leaks can account for up to 10,000 gallons of wasted water annually. In the United States, around 10% of homes have plumbing leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water each day. Whether you notice a dripping faucet or suspect that you hear running water behind your walls, reach out to a professional to inspect and repair leaks. You can also ask about installing a leak detection system. This type of system uses sensors or devices to detect leaks and offers alerts before leaks lead to water waste or property damage.
Upgrade to a Tankless Water Heater
Traditional water heaters use storage tanks to heat hot water. This means that even when no one in the household is using hot water, the conventional heater draws constant water and energy to keep the tank full and maintain consistent temperatures. In contrast, tankless water heaters use electricity to provide hot water only when needed. Also known as on-demand water heaters, these appliances can help reduce your ecological footprint and use water more efficiently. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, tankless water heaters can save residences up to 24%-34% in energy per day and reduce waste by improving the immediate availability of hot water. A qualified plumber can install the tankless appliance without damaging electrical connections or water lines.
Use Water-Saving Toilets
Outdated toilets can waste a great deal of water. According to the EPA, an older or inefficient toilet model can use 6-7 gallons of water per flush. These old toilets can account for a third of a household’s water consumption per day. Consider switching to a high-efficiency toilet (HET) or dual-flush toilet. High-efficiency toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush. Dual-flush toilets provide alternate settings for liquid waste and solid waste. These toilets can use as little as 0.8 gallons for liquid waste or 1.6 gallons for solid waste. According to the EPA, upgraded toilets with the WaterSense label may save your home up to 13,000 gallons of water per year.
Install ENERGY STAR Appliances
ENERGY STAR is a government program that identifies appliances that meet energy-efficiency standards. You can recognize approved products due to the bright yellow label, and these efficient appliances may also help you save water. For example, traditional washing machines can account for 16% of a household’s water usage. In contrast, the EPA reports that ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines use up to 25% less water and 25% less energy than conventional models. Similarly, ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers can conserve an average of 3,870 gallons of water over the lifetime of the appliance. These dishwashers also tend to have improved water circulation for better performance than traditional devices.
Get a Water-Efficient Showerhead
Water-efficient showerheads can also save water in the home. Conventional showerheads can use up to 2.5 gallons of water per minute. In contrast, low-flow models can reduce this amount to 1.5-2 gallons per minute. According to research from the EPA, low-flow showerheads can save the average household approximately 2,700 gallons of water every year. This helps your family live a greener lifestyle while continuing to enjoy normal and relaxing showers.
Consider Greywater Recycling
A practical way to conserve water is to repurpose greywater throughout the home. Greywater refers to non-toilet wastewater, such as water from sinks or washing machines. Homeowners can safely recycle this water for irrigation or flushing toilets without drawing fresh water. Reach out to a qualified plumber about the feasibility of installing a greywater system that collects, filters, disinfects, and redirects this water for all non-potable uses. According to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, up to 70% of water during the summer is used for outdoor activities such as watering plants or washing cars. By using greywater instead, you can save up to 50% of your available fresh water and reduce the burden on local resources.
Implement Smart Technology
Installing smart technology is a practical water-saving strategy for your home. For example, smart irrigation systems use weather data to optimize your property’s watering schedule. This helps prevent waste but also keeps your lawn and foundation safe. By optimizing real-time data, you can reduce water consumption across the length of your property. Similarly, smart devices like water usage monitors placed strategically throughout the home can help you identify unknown sources of waste and make changes to reduce your ecological footprint.
Schedule Plumbing Maintenance Services
Scheduling your annual plumbing maintenance service may also help you conserve water. During a maintenance session, plumbers can locate and diagnose potential problems that would otherwise cause waste in your system. For example, a plumber can identify corrosion or weakened pipes that could result in unseen leaks. Skilled plumbers can also excavate and replace old piping before these structures burst and result in water loss. Maintenance plans are a great way to stay ahead of any issues and save money on any necessary fixes.
Contact Us Today
Upgrading to eco-friendly plumbing solutions can benefit your local environment and may also help you save money on water bills. Professional installation can ensure that your household adopts efficient plumbing properly and can help you take the first steps toward a sustainable future. Goettl's High Desert Mechanical provides home plumbing services for residents of Camp Verde, AZ and the surrounding areas.
Our plumbers install water-efficient plumbing in this desert region. We can install tankless water heaters, low-flow faucets and showerheads, and high-efficiency toilets and fixtures. In addition to installing appliances and fixtures, we can conduct repiping and perform all annual maintenance. We are the experts for water softeners and water filters to ensure the highest quality in hot climates. No matter the issue, we are here to help. Contact Goettl's High Desert Mechanical today for all of your plumbing needs.
