Clean drinking water might not seem like a luxury when you can so easily get it from a faucet. Â Yet when you hear the news about the severe drought conditions in California and other places, you are reminded that clean water is a resource that can be scarce. Â In Georgia, we also have to take care about how we use our water and be mindful of water restrictions. Â Besides water-saving behaviors, there are a number of home plumbing appliances and fixtures that help you conserve water.
Consider installing these energy-efficient appliances and fixtures into your plumbing system:
Low-flow Showerheads – Older showerheads could spray an average of 5 gallons of water per minute during a shower.  That adds up.  Replacing your older showerhead with a low-flow showerhead will significantly reduce the actual volume of water expended.  The low-flow mechanism mixes air into the water stream to maintain steady pressure so the flow has an even, full shower spray.
Low-flow Aerators – Add a low-flow aerator to your faucets to help reduce your water usage by about half and you will likely not even notice any loss of efficiency. Â Make sure you purchase one that fits your faucets.
Low-flush or Dual-flush Toilets – Have you ever thought about how many gallons flow to the sewer each time you flush the toilet?  Historically, 3 to 7 gallons of water would be sent to the sewer with each flush from an older model toilet.  We have known for a long time that we don’t need that much water to flush.  But now we no longer have to put a brick or other object in the tank to conserve water. Instead of putting an object in the tank of an older toilet, get an energy-efficient toilet.  The new toilet will cut down on the impact of water use each day so that only about 1 ½ gallons of water is used with each flush.
Watersense Fixtures – Choose a plumbing fixture with the Watersense label that is rated for water conservation.  The rating is based on a program from the US Environmental Protection Agency and given to consumer products that meet specific water-reduction standards.  Types of products that receive the Watersense label include faucets, showerheads, and hose nozzles.
Energy Star Appliances – The Energy Star rating is not just a reference to energy.  There are some appliances that are rated based on low water usage.  Water-using appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines are typically rated for water as well as energy usage.  Installing an Energy Star certified washer can significantly decrease your household’s water use.
Water conservation is a good idea all the time, not just during a drought. Â There are many reasons why you will want to conserve water. Â With summertime comes the increase in your sewer bill, so conserving water can save you money. Â Energy-efficient appliances can help you increase the value of your home. Â And you might just want to be a good steward for the environment. Â Conserving water is much easier with energy-efficient appliances and fixtures in your home.
If you need assistance selecting and installing a plumbing appliance or fixture that can help you conserve water, High Priority Plumbing can help. Â Contact us today at 770.860.8110.