Saving water and minimizing water waste should be at the top of everyone’s new year’s resolutions. We all know that water is a limited resource; even if more than 70 percent of the planet is made up of water, only a shocking 3 percent of it is fresh water, and only 1.2 percent is drinkable freshwater. The rest is frozen in glaciers or underground. This means that if we want to continue living here enjoying the same lifestyles we’re used to, we need to start shifting our habits.
This is even more true if you live in drought-ridden places like our very own Las Vegas. But don’t worry, we’re not alone in our endeavors. Other drought-prone locations include California, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.
How does the drought affect Las Vegas?
Do you know where most of Las Vegas’s water comes from? IT’s the Colorado River, which, unfortunately, is facing one of the worst droughts in its recorded history. This has led to the water level in Lake Mead dropping more than 150 feet in the last 20 years.
While government operations make changes to hopefully reduce the amount that we rely on and pull from these water sources, there’s plenty that we can do ourselves to cut back on our water use.
What can I do to save water and limit water waste?
First of all, pat yourself on the back for even asking this question! Recognition is the first step towards fixing this problem. And you’ve got a whole support team behind you, ready to help you make these changes. Here are some of our favorite ways to save water and limit water waste:
- Turn the faucet off when you’re not using the running water. For instance, the faucet doesn’t need to be on while you brush your teeth, wash your face, shave, or scrub dishes. This is a needless waste of water, but it only takes a brief moment to correct it!
- Fix water leaks right away! Did you know that a leak that drips once per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water in a year? That’s the equivalent of more than 180 showers. 😲 If you notice a leak, contact a plumber right away so they can get to the bottom of it.
- Opt for the dishwasher rather than handwashing your dishes. This might be surprising, but hand washing your dishes actually uses more water than a dishwasher. However, this only remains true if you do full loads in the dishwasher. Avoid washing only a few plates at a time to make the most of your water savings!
- Take shorter showers! We know the shower is the best place to perform a full-length concert; the acoustics are impossible to beat. But while you’re in there performing the latest Taylor Swift album, you’re also wasting between 5 to 10 gallons of water per minute.
- Don’t water your lawn during the hottest parts of the day. This will keep water from evaporating before it has the chance to absorb into the soil and roots fully.
- Update all of the plumbing fixtures in your home. We’re talking about your faucets, your showerheads, and your toilets. Older models use a ridiculous amount of water to get the same job done. We recommend choosing a WaterSense fixture; they are approved and recommended by the EPA for both their water efficiency and performance.
If you’re interested in beginning your water-saving journey, contact our team for assistance in switching out your plumbing fixtures, filing your leaky pipes, and upgrading your water heaters! Our team would be happy to help in making Las Vegas a little more water-wise. Visit our website or give us a call at (702) 710-7388 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment!
