How to Conserve Water in Pensacola Homes
Water is our most valuable resource - without clean, drinkable water, life would cease to exist as we know it. Water remains constant over time, even though it is in a continuous state of change - water changes form and moves from place to place.
The most of earth’s water is salt-water, found in the world’s oceans; a large majority of the earth’s fresh water is frozen in glaciers and polar ice caps, though fresh water can be found in lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, as well as groundwater. The other reservoir for water is atmospheric water, or water vapor.
In Pensacola Florida, as well as the rest of the world, water moves among these reservoirs through via evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff. As water moves through the water cycle, it is purified as it evaporates from the oceans and through precipitation; it is then returned to the land as fresh water.
To conserve water in our Pensacola homes, we must understand biggest uses of water by a typical family, then inspect these areas to possibly reduce water use. Since 70% of the water used by Americans is used indoors, inside the home is where conservation can make the biggest difference.
• Toilets are the No. 1 use of water in a home, accounting for 27% of indoor water use - that means 1 of every 4 gallons used goes for flushing the toilet. Toilets made before 1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. Switching to WaterSense labeled toilets can save a family up to $2,000 in water costs over the life of the toilet, paying for itself multiple times.
• Washing machines come in at a strong 2nd using about 22% of the indoor water used. Energy Star labeled machines use about 15 gallons per load which can be up to 50% less water than standard machines and far less than machines made before 1998.
• Showers account for 17% of water used, 3rd largest in the home. Similar to toilets, shower-heads made prior to 1992 can use massive amounts of water, some up to 5.5 gallons per minute. Efficient shower-heads can be purchased for under $20 and have flow rates below 2.5 gallons per minute. This is another item that quickly pays for itself and can use less than 50% of the water in many cases.
• Faucets come in fourth accounting with 16% of the water used in the home. New WaterSense labeled faucets can save 30% of the water used compared to older faucets and will perform equally well. Similar savings can be seen by replacing the aerator in the faucet with a newer one; the aerator in the screw-on tip is what determines the flow rate of the faucet.
• Leaks, unfortunately, account for 14% of indoor water use, ranking 5th behind the big four. Leaks are a complete waste of water and should be inspected for and repaired periodically.
• Toilets are the No. 1 use of water in a home, accounting for 27% of indoor water use - that means 1 of every 4 gallons used goes for flushing the toilet. Toilets made before 1992 use up to 3.5 gallons per flush. Switching to WaterSense labeled toilets can save a family up to $2,000 in water costs over the life of the toilet, paying for itself multiple times.
• Washing machines come in at a strong 2nd using about 22% of the indoor water used. Energy Star labeled machines use about 15 gallons per load which can be up to 50% less water than standard machines and far less than machines made before 1998.
• Showers account for 17% of water used, 3rd largest in the home. Similar to toilets, shower-heads made prior to 1992 can use massive amounts of water, some up to 5.5 gallons per minute. Efficient shower-heads can be purchased for under $20 and have flow rates below 2.5 gallons per minute. This is another item that quickly pays for itself and can use less than 50% of the water in many cases.
• Faucets come in fourth accounting with 16% of the water used in the home. New WaterSense labeled faucets can save 30% of the water used compared to older faucets and will perform equally well. Similar savings can be seen by replacing the aerator in the faucet with a newer one; the aerator in the screw-on tip is what determines the flow rate of the faucet.
• Leaks, unfortunately, account for 14% of indoor water use, ranking 5th behind the big four. Leaks are a complete waste of water and should be inspected for and repaired periodically.
If you're uncertain about water leaks and usage in your home, consider using a Pensacola Home Inspector to evaluate your home and identify areas that could be improved or may be in need of repaired.
Pensacola, Florida
Life’s a beach in Pensacola Florida, where the weather is warm. There are numerous sights for the entire family, including the National Aviation Museum, Fort Pickens, the Pensacola Lighthouse, historic downtown Pensacola and, of course, the popular white-sand beaches at nearby Perdido Key and Pensacola Beach. Additionally, there is an abundance of shopping, dining & entertainment venues.