Conserving water is important so as not to waste the great resource that we often take for granted, clean and safe drinking water. Also conserving water reduces water utility bills, so it helps to save money too!

This topic is very relevant to many people right now as the city I live in, Charlottesville, Virginia, is experiencing a drought with drought warning water restrictions going into effect last week, on 10/12/2017, in Charlottesville and the surrounding county, Albemarle. 

• Use a timer when doing activities that use water
  • In the shower or anytime you’re running water, set the timer!
  • I am guilty of taking long showers a lot, so this is a struggle for me. The warm, running water just feels so nice, I often drift off into thought, coming up with ideas (like writing this blog post) and completely lose track of time while I’m in the shower.
  • I just got this new 5 minute timer that has a suction cup to stick to the shower wall, so far it’s been great at keeping me on track and taking shorter showers!

• Turn off the water while:
  • Brushing your teeth
  • Applying your face cleanser to wash your face
    • I use a face cleanser that foams up and is intended to be massaged into the skin for 30-60 seconds…it feels so nice to turn off the water and massage it all over my face!
    • It’s a great way to add a little mindfulness practice to my day too, just focusing on the sensation of my fingers and foamy Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Face Wash on my skin and nothing else.
  • Applying shaving cream or a shaving cream/ face cleanser all in one (like Rodan + Fields UNBLEMISH Sulfur Face Wash)
  • Shaving
  • Applying soap, shampoo, and conditioner in the shower

• Not washing your hair everyday (for those with longer, thicker hair)
  • Not only does this conserve water, it helps to keep the hair healthier, too!
  • Shaving off half your hair in a cute undercut with a lotus flower design also makes hair washing easier and less time consuming….although this look may not appeal to everyone!

• Using cleansing products that don’t require water
  1. For example, products like:
     • Dry shampoo
       • My current favorite dry shampoo is Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo
     • Face cleanser that doesn’t need to be rinsed off for people with certain (non-oily) skin types
       • I recommend checking out Rodan + Fields SOOTHE Gentle Cream Wash
       • This face cleanser is especially great for people with sensitive skin!
     • Face / body / make up removing wipes
       • My current favorite is Rodan + Fields REDEFINE Eye Cloths

• Use a sprayer/ nozzle attachement on the hose
  • When watering plants, washing the dog/horse/car, etc. using a sprayer/nozzle attachment can help prevent wasting water

• Install water saving shower heads that are marked as WaterSense certified
  • I just got a Shower Pro Massage Deluxe High Performance Shower Head as part of my free Customer Water Saving Kit from Charlottesville City
    • If you live in Charlottesville (within the city limits), you’re eligible to get a free kit too!
    • Just stop by the Charlottesville Utility Billing Office to pick yours up! For more info, click here.
  • Note: Be sure to check with your landlord before installing anything in your home if you rent!

• Install faucet aerators in your faucet sinks
  1. A faucet aerator reduces wasted water by mixing air and water
  2. Plus they are relatively easy to install!

• Check for leaks in your home
  • Easy-to-fix water leaks are responsible for over 1 trillion gallons of wasted water every year in homes in the U.S. (1)
  • It is important to check if your home has leaks. Fix the easy-to-fix ones yourself or get a licensed plumber to fix them!
  • Check your water utility bill
    1. If the water bill seems to be higher than usual, or spikes in a certain month, this could indicate that there is a leak.
  • Read your water meter
    1. Find the water meter, then take a reading from it when no water is being used in the home
    2. If the meter’s reading is not exactly the same after 2 hours, then this could mean that there is a leak.
  • Take a toilet test
    1. Use food coloring (or other toilet-safe coloring liquid / tablets) to detect if the toilet has a leak.
    2. Put a few drops of the food coloring into the toilet tank (the part on the back of the toilet).
    3. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
    4. If you see the color showing up in the water in the toilet bowl, this means that the toilet has a leak.
    5. (Don’t forget to flush the toilet after doing this test to avoid staining the toilet).
  • For more information on detecting leaks, check out:
    • www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak
    • www.epa.gov/watersense
    • For more information for Charlottesville and Albemarle residents:
    • www.charlottesvile.org/waterconservation
    • www.serviceauthority.org

• Pay attention to the local news regarding water conditions in your area, such as if there is a drought and obey any water restrictions that may be in place in your area.
  • For example, I stopped by the educational tables that Charlottesville City, Albemarle County Service Authority, and Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority had on the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville, VA on 10/11/2017, the day before the drought water restrictions went into effect, that was intended to educate local residents about the drought and ways to conserve water.

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Find other innovative ways to reduce your need for water that work for you and your daily routine!

• For example, I use Rodan + Fields Lash Boost, a serum that makes eyelashes appear fuller and darker, so I hardly ever wear mascara or eye makeup, thus reducing water usage by not having to wash off eye makeup everyday!

Source

1. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2017. Detect and Chase Down Leaks The 10 Minute WaterSense Challenge Fact Sheet. www.epa.gov/watersense/fixaleak