Along with longer days, an abundance of sunshine and warmer temperatures, summer can often bring a higher water bill for homeowners all over the country. Between May and August, we spend lots of time, energy and resources to ensure our grass and plants stay healthy, happy and hydrated. However, there are several ways to save water (and money!) this summer — both inside your home and in your yard.

Water Your Yard in the Morning or Evening: Water evaporates less during the morning and evening, which means your water is more likely to remain in the soil. You might also install a drip irrigation system to slowly release water throughout the day.

Shorten Your Showers: Shave off a few minutes from your shower, as every minute in the shower uses about 2.5 gallons of water. A household taking shorter showers can save a significant amount of water over time.

Use the Dishwasher: Washing dishes by hand can actually waste quite a bit of water. Instead, use your dishwasher — and only run it when it is completely full! If you don’t have a dishwasher, run the faucet sparingly while you hand wash dishes.

Set Up a Rain Barrel: If allowed, collect water running off your roof by setting up a rain barrel under your gutter’s downspout. This keeps water from collecting in puddles in your yard — and you can reuse it to water your plants!

Use a Car Wash: Washing your car at home can use upwards of 100 gallons of water, while a professional car wash typically uses less than 40 gallons of water. Not to mention, you’ll save a lot of time and energy by taking your car to a car wash.

Check for Hidden Water Leaks: Hire a professional to check for water leaks in your plumbing. And in the meantime, use the food coloring test to see if your toilet is wasting water. Simply drop a few food coloring drops in your toilet tank, wait a few minutes, and see if the color shows up in your bowl.

I hope you have a happy summer — especially when you see your next water bill!

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