How to Save Water

Featured Pro: Eric Stromer
Category: Home Improvement
Time: 2:21


ERIC STROMER: Hey, I’m Eric Stromer, and this is your GMC Trade Secret.

The average person in America uses 80 to 100 gallons of water a day. I’ll show you how you can save thousands of gallons of water a year by making some minor adjustments in your home. But first, can you guess where the most amount of water in your home is used on a daily basis? It’s right here. That’s right. Most of the water we use is in the bathroom.

Now, the toilet here is the biggest water hog. To conserve water, you can make sure that your toilet conforms to the low-water usage standard of 1.6 gallons per flush. Now, if your toilet is 15 years or older, you’re probably using twice that amount. Check this out. For a household of four, replacing your toilet could save 20,000 gallons of water per year. And a little leak in your toilet tank can be a huge waster of water. So check to make sure it’s not leaking, and change the flapper inside if you need to.

Now, this faucet aerator is a little overlooked device that can make a big difference in how much water goes down the drain. Aerators restrict how much water comes out of the tap. So don’t forget to use one of these.

Outside your home, you can conserve water in a number of ways as well. Adjust your sprinklers for less watering time in the cooler months. Also, always water in the early morning or at night to avoid water being evaporated in the heat of the day.

You can do your part to conserve water just by selecting the right plants for your yard. Now, plants native to your area are sustainable with minimal watering. They can often live on the water they receive from mother nature.

Installing a drip irritation system is another great way to be water-wise. Now, this low-pressure hose applies water directly to the plant base instead of flooding the entire area. Drip irrigation is also a great way to decrease weeds around your landscaping.

Believe it or not, this broom is actually a great tool to conserve water. Now, sweeping a driveway or sidewalk instead of spraying with a hose can save thousands of gallons of water from filling the storm drains.

Now, with a little help and effort, you can make a huge difference in water conservation. I’m Eric Stromer, and that’s your GMC Trade Secret.