You hear a lot of water conservation claims, but not all of them are true. It’s true that Americans use billions of gallons of water every day; it’s false that individual efforts to save are a wash. Here, we debunk some common misconceptions about home water use and conservation. You can make a difference by adopting these water-wise habits — for your own bill and to support efforts to converse this vital natural resource.
Myth #1: Clothes have to be washed in warm water
Cold water removes blood stains, prevents shrinking and keeps bold colors bright. Many dark and delicate clothes should be washed on cold, and new developments in cold-water detergent can get tough stains out — yes, even in cold water. It’s not necessary to wash everything in warm water, especially when you can energy and money by using cold water.
Myth #2: Hand washing dishes saves water
Though it may seem like the right thing to do, hand washing a load of dishes can use up to 27 gallons of water, depending on your faucet and washing system. An ENERGY STAR®-certified dishwasher can use as little as three gallons per cycle. While newer faucets are typically more water efficient, hand washing uses more water than a high-efficiency dishwasher.
Myth #3: Low-flow fixtures don’t really save water
Low-flow fixtures do actually save water, which helps you save money. For example, standard showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) or often more. WaterSense®-labeled showerheads are certified to use 2.0 GPM or less while still providing a comfortable flow. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average family could save 2,700 gallons per year by installing WaterSense-labeled showerheads.
Myth #4: A bath uses less water than a shower
A 10-minute shower will typically use no more than 20 to 25 gallons of water, depending on the showerhead, while a bath can use up to 70 gallons, according to the EPA. While a standard tub may hold no more than 40 gallons, and you typically wouldn’t fill it up all the way, those gallons can grow quickly when you account for cooled water that’s drained and replaced during bath time.
Myth #5: Time of day doesn’t matter when watering the lawn
To ensure extra savings and lawn health, water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. In the mornings, the air is cooler, and there’s less wind to blow water droplets around, allowing the water to soak in and nurture your lawn. Most Florida water districts limit lawn irrigation to two days per week for residential properties with in-ground irrigation systems. In Orlando, watering is regulated to twice a week during Daylight Saving Time and once a week during Eastern Standard Time.
Your Next Step in Maximizing Your Water Conservation
A free OUC conservation audit can help you save even more. A trained conservation specialist will discuss your water usage with you and perform a walkthrough of your home to uncover – often hard-to-spot – ways to reduce your consumption. You’ll get a full report with recommended money-saving efficiency tips.
Find out more and schedule your free energy and water conservation audit by visiting: OUC.com/audit.
