Reducing Water Consumption In The Home

Most people cannot tell you what the most valuable commodity on earth is. When asked, many people mention precious minerals, jewels, land, and other tangible products. Very few people come up with the right answer, water.

Two-thirds of the planet's surface is covered with water.

Salt water comprises 97% of the world's water. Fresh water only accounts for 3% of fresh water. Unfortunately, most is locked in the polar icecaps or remains inaccessible, deep underground.

Only 1% of the world's water is usable by humans. Water is our most valuable and precious resource. This 1% is not distributed equally. Canada is blessed with an abundance of fresh water in the northern areas. Australia is the driest continent on the earth.

New urban water tanks have been developed by companies like Aquasource to flush toilets and supply washing machines with water. In many cases, this water is recycled.

While most homeowners do not live in areas where the government regulates the amount of water a homeowner uses, many municipalities are increasing the water utility bill, and limiting the amount of water homeowners are permitted to use when watering their lawns. Some municipalities have even made it illegal to use water for car washing, pools, and watering lawns more than once a week.

Many products have come to the rescue. The Aquasource Plus kit can be fitted to any water tank/s, and supply anything from one toilet, to a whole house. The SmartFLO leafless guttering helps produce the highest quality water from roofs, while virtually eliminating cleaning and fire risk. Budget-conscious homeowners are fitting water-saving AAA shower-heads like the E-co Shower, and flow reduction valves to their homes.

As more municipalities force the reduction of water use by up to 40% and emissions by 25% or more, homeowners are being forced to find alternatives to water waste. The days of chiding children to turn the tap off while brushing their teeth, and using the water saving feature on the washing machine, are over.

Energy saving is now a government issue.

One way to save water is to install appliances like washing machines and water heaters that save water. There are new water heaters that heat water as needed. The faucet is turned on. Water runs through coils, heating. When the faucet is turned off, the water stops heating.

These heaters reduce the amount of hot water needed to heat wash water, baths, and kitchens, reducing the energy and water waste. These heaters are so efficient that the manufacturers claim they can pay for themselves in as little as one to two years.

There are now even 'hands free' faucets for home use. Hands free faucets turn on when the hands are placed under them. Removing the hand turns the faucet off. The water saved can save a substantial amount of water and money over the course of the year.

Saving water will soon become mandatory. Anyone who is currently planning renovations should consider using water conservation products. Failure to do so could turn into a costly waste when municipalities force water conservation in the near future.