Many of us have heard the term “carbon footprint” when talking about climate change and resource use. But what about other resources like water or energy? The concept is the same! All of the water you use in a year is your “water footprint.” This impacts the planet as well as your wallet. Here are some helpful tips to help sink your water footprint and save you money.

1) Take shorter showers and/or install water-conserving shower heads. These can save up to 15 gallons per shower.

2) Fix any dripping faucets and leaking water closets. Unattended leaks in water fixtures can waste between 15 and 20 gallons a day.

3) Opt for the dishwasher over hand washing if possible. It may seem counter intuitive, however, dishwashers use less water overall. Most dishwashers nowadays are efficient enough to clean tough stains. If you do wash plates by hand, do not leave the water running.

4) Eat less water intensive foods. Our diets account for a large amount of the water we consume; eating less beef, one of the most water intensive foods, can help lower your water footprint. Even if you eliminate beef from just one meal a week, the gallons saved will add up.

5) Fill sink with water when washing vegetables. To avoid water waste, turn off running water and use sink or a bowl with water to wash. This also applies to shaving and brushing your teeth.

6) Use Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) in your yard. You do not have to sacrifice aesthetics to have the outdoor space you want. FFL provides a variety of different plants and landscapes options that will help you save time, money, and water.

7) Reuse cold water. When heating up water in a shower or sink, some cold water is wasted. If possible, capture that water and reuse it to water plants or for washing vegetables.

8) Cover swimming pools when not in use. If you have a swimming pool, covering it when not in use lowers the evaporation rate. This saves you money on refilling your pool.

9) Upgrade appliances. This may not be possible for everyone, however, if you are considering it, look for the EPA Water Sense Logo. This logo means that the appliances are water efficient, but do not sacrifice quality.

10) Wash your car at a commercial washer. This may also seem counter intuitive, however, these businesses recycle the water instead of letting it run down the drain. If you choose to wash your own car, do not leave the hose running.

For more information: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe996

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