A New Yorker consumes roughly a third more water than the average U.S. citizen, and faces a potential hike in water prices. NY1’s Home reporter Jill Scott filed the following report on water conservation.
As cool spring showers become hot, dry summer days, our water supply will start to take a hit. That, combined with a potential increase in water prices, means it’s time to start conserving.
On average New Yorkers consume about 135 gallons of water per person per day -- compare that to 90-100 gallons elsewhere in the United States -- or only 50 gallons in Europe.
“While New Yorkers are very efficient in many ways in terms of energy consumption and the like, we are water hogs when it comes to water consumption,” said Alex Matthiessen of Riverkeeper, who gave tips on ways to save at home.
“About 14 percent of water we pay for is lost either because of leaks or wasteful water consumption, and then about 75 percent of the water that a typical household uses each day comes from bathroom,” said Matthiessen. “So if you can do things to reduce water consumption in the bathroom, you can help to conserve a lot of water and actually help to reduce your water bills.”
First turning off the water while you shave or brush you teeth can save hundreds of gallons a month. So can switching old faucets’ aerators with more efficient models -- same with your shower head.
The biggest culprit in your bathroom is the toilet.
“The toilet is a big water guzzler in the average household bathroom,” said Matthiessen. “So two things to do there -- you can either get a regular low-flower toilet model or they have a new a duel flush system depending on how you use it. Both of those will hugely reduce how much water you consume.”
In the kitchen, using an energy star dishwasher is a big saver. Those who do not have a dishwasher can fill up the sink and using the water to wash, rather than leaving the faucet running to wash one dish at time.
Also keep a cold pitcher of water in the fridge, so you don't waste each time you wait for drinking water to get cold.
As for washing machines, look for energy-efficient front-loading models which consume a lot less water, and only run them on a full load.
The lawn is another big water waster.
“The key if you water your lawn is to water in the early morning hours -- 5 a.m. to 6 a.m. -- before it gets hot,” said Matthiessen. “If you water during the day, the sun evaporates most of the water that is dispersed on the lawn, and therefore it won’t get enough and you will have to do it longer. So, water in the early morning hours.”
Of course, always remember to check around your home for leaks.
So don't be a drip -- be conscious and don't let water and money go down the drain.
- Jill Scott
May 13, 2008
Conserve Water In The Bathroom, Save Money
Jill Scott
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