It is time to take control of our utility and water bills.  States across the nation are experiencing rising rates, California’s water rates are rising up to 40% in the next 2 years, if it wasn’t time for action before, it certainly is now.  Please do not think that this list should only hit home for the people already facing rolling blackouts and water restrictions.  We all need to do our part to conserve resources, even if your rates haven’t gone up yet, it has affected us all.  Yes, I said yet…

Let us start the conversation where most of us start and end our days, the bathroom.  We have broken down the bathroom into three main topic areas; Showers & Baths, Toilets & Faucets, and Lighting.  You may not be able to incorporate everything depending on budget, but some don’t cost a dime.  Here are some talking points for your next family meeting. 

Cost to check off your list:

$ = FREE

$$ = Less than $100

$$$ = More than $100

SHOWERS & BATHS

• Shorter Showers $ – Running hot water uses energy to get the water to you, to run the hot water heater, and to then treat the water after use.  Try to take shorter showers to reduce your water and energy usage. 
• Flow Restrictive Shower Heads $$ – They use substantially less water, and therefore energy.  They really have come a long way with the feel of these, plus they are easy enough to install on the weekend. 
• Shower Over Baths $ – Depending on the cubic space of your bathtub you will use more gallons to fill up the tub then you would to take a shower.  This is especially true if the shower is equipped with a flow restrictive shower head. 

TOILET & FAUCETS

• Turn Off Water While Brushing Your Teeth $ – This one should be pretty self explanatory.  When you don’t need water on, turn it off.  This is a task that does not require hot water so leave the warm water off, cold uses less energy.
• Look For Leaks $$ – Water loss from leaks add up over time.  Fix the seals as soon as possible.  There are many resources to fix the leak yourself if you are comfortable with DIY projects.  Take a look at Expert Village’s video, or the City of San Jose’s site  for a printable repair guide.  I did a little experiment with a measuring cup and a faucet with a steady drip.  In the 10 minutes of testing it leaked 1 cup.  That equates to 9 gallons a day of wasted water.  That is just one day!  I will be reusing the water from this experiment; it will not be wasted in vain.  
• More Efficient Bathroom Fixtures $$-$$$ – There are water saving bathroom faucets and toilets including dual flush , if that fixture just needs to be replaced.  

LIGHTING

• Turn Lights Off $ – Remember to switch off the lights when you leave the room.  Don’t forget the fan too.  If you have a window by the shower try to go lights out for a natural lighting experience, it doesn’t cost a thing.  Your family can’t remember to turn off the lights?  Then start a family change jar.  Every time you forget to turn out the lights you owe the family jar $0.25.  Believe me; you will all get the hang of it quickly.  If not, you will all have a nice family night out.
• Switch Out Lamps For CFLs $$ – It is time to jump on the band wagon with these, folks.  When incandescent lamps burn out give CFLs a try.  They pay for themselves quickly with lengthy lifespans and efficient energy usage.  They do contain small amounts of mercury and require special recycling.  Here is a great post from Lighter Footstep to see how to dispose of the retired CFLs properly.

If you have any ideas of your own we would be thrilled to see them!  Please join the discussion by dropping us a line, or leaving a comment below.