Well owners are the managers of their own water systems, so protecting groundwater is protecting the water supply for their families.There are two primary categories of groundwater protection:
1. Keeping groundwater safe from contamination
2. Conserving groundwater by using it wisely and not wasting it
In the average household, the greatest amount of water used inside the home occurs in the bathroom through the use of showers, toilets and sink faucets. Depending on where in the country you live, outdoor water use can vary widely–but in many places it accounts for a large percentage of household water use.
One place to start with conserving water is to do an assessment of how much water a household currently is using to see where the most water savings can be realized. To estimate household water use, well owners can use a "water use calculator" that allows them to insert values specific to their households for different areas of water use.
When using the water use calculator, well owners can consider whether they can cut down on their households' water consumption by modifying their water use habits–particularly in the most intensive areas of water use such as clothes washing, showering and outdoor water use.
Also, when using the water use calculator, households can consider whether they can save on consumption by installing a water-saving appliance or fixture–particularly in areas of the most intensive water use.
Here are some ways to modify one's water use habits:
- Never pour water down the drain–such as dehumidifier water or water used to wash vegetables–when there's another use for it, such as watering indoor or outdoor plants.
- Don't run a faucet when you're not using the water, such as when brushing your teeth.
- Only use the dishwasher when it's fully loaded.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until the water is cool.
- Men: Shave using a sinkful of water rather than in the shower.
- Be creative in saving water!
Another potentially big water saver is to repair dripping toilets or taps. One drop of water dripping from a faucet wastes an estimated 2,700 gallons of water a year!
Another way to save water is to install a flow restrictor on the end of your faucet or install a showerhead with a flow restrictor. Flow restrictors permit a steady stream of water while using less water.
Well owners also can find water saving plumbing fixtures or appliances by looking for U.S. EPA Water Sense certified products.
To achieve even more water savings, well owners can modify their outdoor water use habits by, for instance:
- Planting native or drought-resistant plants
- Installing irrigation devices that are most water efficient
- Using mulch in plant beds to hold moisture in soil
- Setting the lawn mower blade higher to encourage root growth and to hold soil moisture
- Covering pools and spas to reduce evaporation
- Avoiding a fine spray when using a hose to minimize evaporation
There is something every person can do to conserve water!
