Here are some easy ways to help conserve water

Upgrading toilets, faucets are fantastic options

When you think of water conservation, do you think of turning off your sprinklers and taking shorter showers? While these are great habits, there are some even easier ways to lower your water consumption.

Rupa Mehta, a home expert at Angi, says there are some quick and easy ways to conserve water.

“First and foremost, consider upgrading your toilet. Low-flow and dual-flush toilets are fantastic options that can save 20% or more of your water supply compared to older toilets. To skip the water altogether, opt for a composting toilet, which works by using little to no water at all and can save you up to 800 gallons of water each year,” she said.

For an even easier swap, upgrade your old faucets to low-flow models. Low-flow faucets use less water than older versions, reducing your water flow by 30 percent. It only takes a few hours to install low-flow faucets yourself, but if you want it done even faster, you can hire a pro to install them for you.

“Appliances waste a lot of water. Consider upgrading your washing machine or dishwasher to save water. An energy-efficient washing machine uses 33% less water than older models and is much quieter. An energy-efficient dishwasher can save you almost 4,000 gallons of water throughout its lifetime. That goes a long way,” Rupa said.

When shopping for a new appliance, keep an eye out for the Energy Star label. Unlike most appliances on the market, Energy Star-certified appliances are recognized by the EPA to be energy efficient. This takes out the guesswork when purchasing your new appliance, so you can be sure the claims are backed by science and the EPA.

“According to the EPA, up to 50% of outdoor water use ends up wasted. That’s about half of the water used for your landscaping and irrigation. Think about ways to use less water during your lawn care. Native and drought-resistant plants can thrive with less water. Opt for these in your yard - they also look fantastic. If you really want to make a difference, talk to a pro about upgrading your irrigation system,” said Rupa.