July 24, 2002
Wise Indoor Water Use Helps Lower Utility Costs, Conserve Resources
LINCOLN, Neb. — Water-conserving appliances and practices can reduce household water use and lower utility bills, a University of Nebraska housing and environment specialist said.
Homeowners can reduce water use significantly by repairing leaks, avoiding running unnecessary water, installing water-saving features on older appliances or purchasing new appliances that minimize water use, said Shirley Niemeyer, housing and environment specialist in NU's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. These actions are particularly useful and responsible during a time of drought.
"Water-wise homeowners first need to know where water is used," she said. "Once homeowners can identify water-wasting appliances and fixtures, they can take action to prevent future losses."
Bathroom fixtures, water softeners, clothes washers and dishwashers use the most water in a home, she said.
Target the bathroom first since sinks, showers and toilets make up about three-fourths of all water used indoors, she said.
Older toilets can use 3 to 7 gallons of water for each flush and account for up to 50 percent of all indoor water use depending on individual households. Low-flush toilets only use about 1.6 gallons of water per flush and save at least 8,000 or more gallons of water per household per year. Newer, improved models include jet-action or pressure-assisted toilets. Niemeyer suggests consulting a consumers' study and a professional plumber for more information.
Older toilets' water use can be reduced with toilet dams, water-filled containers or a 1.6-gallon flapper if the devices do not interfere with flush action or water flow through waste pipes, Niemeyer said. These devices displace water and reduce outflows by up to 25 percent.
Sink and shower water use can be cut in half by installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads, which reduce the water flow rate while maintaining spray velocity, she said. Taking shorter showers and turning off the shower during shampooing and lathering soap or turning off the sink while shaving or brushing teeth also help, she said.
Beyond the bathroom, other appliances such as washing machines can use up to 57 gallons of water per load. Newer, high-efficiency and front-loading washers use about 30 to 50 percent less water. Recent technology includes sensing the load size, dirtiness of the water, fabric type and controlling incoming water temperature. Some also use high-pressure rinses.
"You should set water level controls to match the load size to save hot water," she said.
In the kitchen, dishwashers can use 7 to 25 gallons of water per full load depending on the model and its age. Newer models use about 7 to 10 gallons of water per full load and have water-saving cycle options to match dish loads, she said.
"To reduce water and energy use, run full loads and only pre-rinse when needed," she said. "Select an energy-saving or air-dry cycle when possible."
Some water softeners also have features to reduce water use. On-demand water softening equipment measures the demand and softens water only when needed – not on a schedule, she said.
"These units can save water by eliminating unnecessary regeneration cycles and making the most efficient use of water, salt and energy," Niemeyer said.
Homeowners also need to check for and repair leaks in toilets, faucets and water systems, which can waste 10 to 20 gallons per day.
"To find out if your toilet leaks, put a little food coloring in the tank – as long as it won't stain the toilet bowl – and wait 15 minutes without flushing," she said. "If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired."
Homeowners can check for leaks in their water system by shutting off all water equipment, including faucets and ice makers. Read the water meter and wait 30 minutes – if the dial moved, there is a leak, Niemeyer said.
"Water is a valuable natural resource, and it's important to use it wisely," she said.
For more information on water saving features for the home, consult NU Cooperative Extension NebFact NF97-338, Making Decisions: Household Water Saving Equipment and Practices, available at local extension offices and on the Web or contact a professional plumber for advice.
07/24/02-SH Shirley Niemeyer - Ph.D.
Textiles, Clothing and Design Professor (402) 472- 6319
 
Sandi Alswager Karstens IANR News and Photography (402) 472-3030
Department:
Textiles - Clothing and Design
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