Think you don’t use that much water? Think again—the average American uses 1,802 gallons of water per day (discover your water footprint HERE). Regardless of if you’re facing government-sanctioned water restrictions, these water-saving products divert less water from natural sources, reduce the amount of energy used to treat, pump, and heat water, and even save you money. 

1. Toilet Tank Valves

In a typical toilet, the toilet tank and bowl fill at the same time, but they don’t fill at the same rate—the bowl fills faster. However, because the fill valve doesn’t shut off until the tank is full, water continues to be fed to the bowl. This extra water goes to waste straight down the drain. Toilet tank valves like the FillMAGI Diverter Valve fill the toilet tank faster and reduce water loss through the bowl by dividing the flow between the overflow tube and directing a portion of the flow into the toilet tank itself. This valve can save 0.5 to 1.5 gallons of water per flush and does not require any tools to install. Find out more HERE.

2. Cold Water Laundry Pods

Water heating accounts for up to 90 percent of the energy needed to run a laundry cycle, so using cold water can save both hot water and energy. To make the switch to cold water, check out certain laundry detergents like Tide PODS Coldwater Clean that are made with cold water enzymes. These PODS ensure that your clothes are as clean in a cold wash as they would be in a hot wash. By using these PODS and doing your laundry in cold water, you can use up to 50 percent less energy. Find out more about Tide PODS Coldwater Clean HERE. 

3. Low Flow Showerheads

A flow rate measures how much water flows from the nozzle each minute, and it is typically measured in gallons per minute (GPM). The lower the flow rate, the more efficient a fixture is. Getting a low flow showerhead with 1.5 GPM like Niagara’s Conservation Earth Luxe Showerhead can save around $70-$105 per year on your electric and gas bill. This uses about 40 percent less water than traditional low-flow showerheads. The Conservation Earth Luxe showerhead also features a non-aerated stream so it experiences less temperature loss, further maximizing the energy savings. Find out more HERE.

4. Shower Timers

Speaking of showers, reducing your shower time is one of the easiest ways to use less water. A standard showerhead uses about an extra half a gallon each minute, accounting for a 25-gallon emittance every 10 minutes, or 50 gallons throughout a 20-minute shower. This means that cutting your shower time in half could save 25 gallons of water! A simple yet effective product to keep your shower time in check and save water is to use a shower timer like dretec’s waterproof Digital Timer. This is an especially great product if you are trying to teach kids how to reduce their water usage. Get it HERE.

5. Faucet Aerators

Using a faucet aerator like Niagara Conservation’s Dual Spray Swivel is designed to let you direct water flow where it is needed. Its dual spray swivel lets you choose the spray power: wide full force, an energy-efficient multiple stream spray, and a splash-free bubble stream. The aerator features a pause action valve that reduces the water flow to a trickle while keeping the temperature consistent. This helps save water while washing dishes or soaping up. Check it out HERE.

6. Smart Home Water Monitors

For holistic monitoring of your household’s water consumption, check out products like the Flume 2 Smart Home Water Monitor & Leak Detector. Flume’s smart water usage monitoring delivers detailed water usage insight data to your smartphone to inform you exactly how to conserve water. You can also create water use budgets that send smart alerts to notify you of potential water leaks and waste. Find out more HERE.

For more water news, check out what water recycling is, how low water revealed the Spanish Stonehenge, and a drought-related art exhibition. 

To find out more about how companies save water with water recycling, check out our episode HERE.  

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