Water efficiency can have some small paybacks in utility bills, but there is more of a "big picture" perspective to take. The distribution, purification and heating of water uses large amounts of energy. Also, the more water we use, the more our waste systems are stressed. By cutting water shortage on a large scale, the payoff will come in the form of fewer water shortage periods, higher energy availability, less pollution and more efficient waste processing.
Federal mandates for water efficiency have been established by the department of energy. These are seen as the most basic level of water consumption for fixtures such as toilets, showers, faucets, dishwashers and clothes washers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also established the Water Sense program, which takes efficiency even further and undercuts federal standards significantly. However, the technology available in modern fixtures and appliances can still achieve these numbers and are price competitive. Look for the official "water sense" label:
or search for approved products here.
The bonus when shopping for water efficient appliances, such as clothes laundry and dishwashers, is that they are often EnergyStar rated as well!
When examining your home for water efficiency, even before you switch out appliances and fixtures, you may want to start with looking for LEAKS.
Studies show that leaks account for about 14% of indoor water use. That is almost as much water as either bathroom faucets or showers! It can be amazing what a few drips can add up to over time! Not only is the water wasted, but it can be causing damage to the home. Look for dripping faucets or toilets that keep running. Check out the connections under your sinks. Look for water stains at the bottom of walls or on a ceiling. Many homes in the Bay Area are older and may contain water piping that can now be corroded and weak, with leaks at joints and fixtures.
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