Effective Strategies for Saving Water in Utah's Climate for Homeowners and Renters.
- Kevin Petersen
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Don't get me wrong, I love my long showers and taking a bath, I just try to not overdo it and be too wasteful. Saving water can be as extreme as military showers, or just taking the approach of making an improvement in one area - baby steps. Every little bit helps and will make a difference.
Why Save Water?
Utah is a desert climate, snowpack has been super low to non existent this year. If you didn't know that's where Utah's water comes from. It starts as snow pack in the mountains, melts into reservoirs and rivers, then makes it's way into city water pipes or underground water that gets pumped up in wells. For example, I live in West Jordan, they use a combination of well water from the water table and culinary water that came from rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
So lets get into it, different areas of the house and what some ideas are to consider to save water and hopefully save on that utility bill also.
In The Kitchen
When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Never run the dishwasher without a full load. This practice will save water, energy, detergent, and money. If your dishwasher has Auto mode, use it. It measures how dirty the water is and adjusts run time.
If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing dishes in the sink. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables, rather than letting the water run over them. Then, collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, and reuse it to water house plants.
Use only a little water in the pot and put a lid on it for cooking most food. Not only does this method save water, but food is more nutritious since vitamins and minerals are not poured down the drain with the extra cooking water.
Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer or when you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant, instead.
Always keep water conservation in mind, and think of other ways to save in the kitchen. Making too much coffee or letting ice cubes melt in the sink can add up over time.
In The Bathroom
Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
Take a shower instead of taking a bath. Showers with low-flow shower heads use less water than taking a bath.
Turn off the water while you wash your hair or lather up, save up to 150 gallons a month.
Reduce the level of the water being used in a bathtub by one or two inches if a shower is not available.
When remodeling a bathroom, install a new low-volume flush toilet that uses only 1.6 gallons or less per flush - dual flush are even better and the liquid only flush uses just 1.1 gallons.
Test toilets for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the water in the tank, but do not flush the toilet. Watch to see if the coloring appears in the bowl within a few minutes. If it does, the toilet has a silent leak that needs to be repaired.
Use a toilet tank displacement device such as a water bottle with rocks. These will reduce the volume of water in the tank but will still provide enough for flushing. I tried three bottles in my dual flush toilet and that was too much, however with 2 I don't even notice a difference.
Never use the toilet to dispose of cleansing tissues, cigarette butts, or other trash. This wastes a great deal of water and also places an unnecessary load on the sewage treatment plant or septic tank.
Do not use hot water when cold will do. Water and energy can be saved by washing hands with soap and cold water. Hot water should be added only when hands are especially dirty.
Do not let the water run when washing hands. Water should be turned off while washing and scrubbing and be turned on again to rinse. A cutoff valve may be installed on the faucet.
When shaving, fill the lavatory basin with hot water instead of letting the water run continuously.
Place water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
In The Laundry
Use your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. This will save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Plumbing and Appliances
Check water requirements of various models and brands when considering purchasing any new appliances. Some use less water than others.
Check all waterline connections and faucets for leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 170 gallons of water EACH DAY, or 5,000 gallons per month, and will add to your water bill.
Learn to repair faucets so that drips can be corrected promptly. It is easy to do, costs very little, and can mean a substantial savings in plumbing and water bills.
Check for hidden water leakage such as a leak between the water meter and the house. To check, turn off all indoor and outdoor faucets and water-using appliances. The water meter should be read at 10 to 20 minute intervals. If it continues to run or turn, a leak probably exists and needs to be located.
Insulate all hot water pipes to reduce the delays (and wasted water) experienced while waiting for the water to "run hot."
Be sure the water heater thermostat is not set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and energy because the water often has to be cooled with cold water before it can be used.
Use a moisture meter to determine when house plants need water. More plants die from over-watering than from being on the dry side.
Winterize outdoor spigots and faucets when cold temperatures arrive to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting.
Outside
Water only when needed. Look at the grass, feel the soil, or use a soil moisture meter to determine when to water. I use a Rachio smart sprinkler timer that taps into local weather stations so it only waters when it needs it.
Upgrade lawn sprinkler to low flow rain style. I love the Hunter MP Rotator, they run longer which feels counterintuitive, but they water more evenly and allow time for the ground to absorb the water.
Upgrade to drip lines for flower beds. Use drippers instead of micro sprayers, or misters. These run longer as well, but come in a variety of gph ratings to allow you to water exactly where and how much is needed. No more watering all the ground around a plant, instead you just water the plant.
Do not over-water. Soil can only hold so much moisture, and the rest simply runs off. A timer will help, and either a kitchen timer or an alarm clock will do. Apply only enough water to fill the plant’s root zone. Excess water beyond that is wasted. One and a half inches of water applied once a week in the summer will keep most grasses alive and healthy.
Water lawns early in the morning or during the night especially in the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.
Set automatic sprinkler systems to provide thorough, but infrequent watering. Pressure-regulating devices should be set to design specifications. Rain shut-off devices can prevent watering in the rain. - Again Rachio or other smart timers are amazing!
Water slowly for better absorption, and never water on a windy day.
Keep from watering the streets, walks, or driveways. Check your sprinkler spray patterns at least every couple months.
Condition the soil with mulch or compost before planting grass or flowerbeds so that water will soak in rather than run off.
Fertilize lawns at least twice a year for root stimulation, but do not over-fertilize. Grass with a good root system makes better use of less water and is more drought-tolerant.
Leave your lawn a little longer - cutting lawns super short especially during hot weather causes more evaporation. Taller grass holds moisture better.
Use a watering can or hand water with the hose in small areas of the lawn that need more frequent watering (those near walks or driveways or in especially hot, sunny spots.)
Use water-wise plants. Learn what types of grass, shrubbery, and plants do best in the area and in which parts of the lawn, and then plant accordingly. Choose plants that have low water requirements, are drought-tolerant, and are adapted to the area of the state where they are to be planted. Here's tons of resoucres - Central Utah Water Conservancy District.
Consider decorating some areas of the lawn with wood chips, rocks, gravel, or other materials now available that require no water at all.
Do not hose off walks and driveways. Use a broom, rake or blower instead.
When washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water and turn on the hose only for rinsing.
We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
TL;DR - The Short Version
There are lots of ways to save water that won't cause big inconviences in your life. Everyone needs to play their part in saving water and there are so many easy & free ways to do it. Be mindful and look for ways to save water every day. This list gives you lots of ideas to consider but there are many many more possibilities.
If you are wondering how sprinklers work, upgrades you should make, or other improvement ideas to save water, I'm happy to share my expereinces with you and give you suggestion.
Ready to have that conversation? Book a coffee or tea at KAPRealEstate.com/book
Kevin A Petersen, the realtor for real people, is an LGBTQ+ affirming real estate agent serving buyers and sellers throughout the Salt Lake City area. Schedule a no-pressure conversation about your home buying goals.
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