Top 10 Water Resolutions for 2016

Every year many of us create a new set of resolutions: I will exercise more, change my diet and focus on my health. But what if we resolved to change our planet?

Let’s add saving water to our list of resolutions. The topic of water in America has increased during the last 5 years. Water conservation is “in” due to numerous water crises in the United States: 2 year drought in California, flooding in the Midwest, flooding in South Carolina and North Carolina and various water problems throughout our nation.

Whether you are a municipal water supply professional, part of the water industry, organization or a concerned community member, there are easy resolutions we can make in 2016. If we each commit to small conservation efforts, then we can have large impacts for the future of our water supply. This year we have created 10 resolutions to put us one step further towards saving our water.

In 2016:

1. Become a Water Evangelist

In your community, attempt to raise the consciousness of individuals in regard to America’s water infrastructure issues. On December 23, 2015 the Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP) convened the first White House Roundtable on Water Innovation. Today, it is “cool” and “hip” to discuss water.

2. I will fix my leaky faucets.

Leaky faucets that drip at 1 drop per second can waste up to 2,700 gallons of water each year. Make 2016 the year we put that number to better use.

3. I will replace old toilets with newer, updated models.

Older toilets can use three gallons of clean water with every flush, while newer toilets use as little as one gallon. This small change will help to reduce water waste in your household. It makes a difference. My water bill decreased after replacing 3 toilets.

4. I will shorten the length of my shower.

Reducing your shower time from ten minutes to five minutes could save an average of about six gallons of water a day. If you lose track of time in the shower, then you can time yourself by how many songs play while you are in there. Try to get your shower time down to one or two songs. I have convinced my 18 year old daughter to reduce her shower time from 30 minutes to 20 minutes. Trust me it was not easy!

5. I will turn off the tap while I brush my teeth.

Running the tap while you brush your teeth can waste up to 4 gallons of water each day. In 2016, resolve to turn the faucet off while cleaning your pearly whites.

6. I will run my washing machine and dishwasher when they are full.

It is easy to get in the habit of starting to clean clothes or dishes when there are only a few items. By waiting until you have a full load you could save up to 3,400 gallons of water a year. Holding off until you have a full load also has the added benefit of saving you 25% to 50% of the energy of small loads.

7. I will not over-water my plants.

A good rule of thumb for watering your lawn or plants is that a lawn needs 1 inch of water a week and perennial plants and shrubs will need from 1 inch to 2 inches a week. Annuals do not have a specific rule, so follow the plant tag when you water those.

8. I will reuse water.

Reusing water at home is easier than you might think; all it takes is an awareness of how and when you are using water. For example, use the water from the dehumidifier to water your house plants. Consciously ask yourself where water can be used before you pour it down the drain.

9.  Cut back on drinking bottled water

In 2015 bottled water outsold soda in America. Sadly, 5 out of 6 empty water bottles end up in the landfill.

10. I will recycle.

One of the best ways to conserve water is to buy recycled goods, as well as, recycling your own goods. It takes about 100 gallons of water to grow and process a single pound of cotton. By recycling, we can make that number stretch over multiple items.

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Let’s make 2016 the year we change the numbers of our most undervalued resource!