Tips on how to reduce water and energy use

(As part of Fix a Leak Week, MI Environment is highlighting water and energy conservation.)

Saving water and energy can help reduce utility bills and is beneficial to the environment. Michigan's Focus on Water Initiative, an effort of the Office of the Clean Water Public Advocate, has a number of tips to help you reduce water and energy use.

Bathroom: Toilets, Showerheads, Bathtubs, and Faucets

More than half of indoor water use occurs in the bathroom.

• Replace older toilets with WaterSense labeled toilets.
• Avoid in-tank toilet cleaners, which may decrease the life of your toilet flapper.
• Take shorter showers or shallow baths.
• Turn off the water while lathering, shaving, or brushing your teeth.

Kitchen: Faucets, Dishwashers, and Refrigerators

• Chill drinking water in the fridge instead of waiting for cool water to arrive at the tap.
• When purchasing new appliances, try to find appliances with the ENERGY STAR logo, which are typically more energy and water efficient than older models.
• Run full loads in dishwashers rather than washing by hand.
• If you are washing dishes by hand, plug up the sink or use a wash basin.
• Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before loading it into the dishwasher.
• Thaw food in the refrigerator overnight instead of using running water.
• Add food waste to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.

Utility / Laundry Room: Washing Machine and Hot Water Heaters

• When purchasing a new washing machine, try to find one with the ENERGY STAR logo.
• Wash full loads of laundry or adjust the settings when washing smaller loads.
• Listen and look for leaks around the water heater tank fitting and the drain valve.
• Flush the water heater annually to remove accumulated deposits that can contribute to tank corrosion.  (See the owner's manual for directions.)

Sources: AMWUA's Smart Home Water Guide and EPA.gov

In addition, join us on March 16 at 3 p.m. for a webinar that connects the dots between water and energy conservation.

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