For this next month the PCAC Action of the Week will focus on some super simple ways to save water at home because as we all know water conservation is critical. According to the EPA, at least 40 states expect water shortages by the year 2024.
To kick off this theme, we recommend the simple task of installing faucet aerators. Faucet aerators are small, round devices that you can screw onto the tip of your faucet to create a more consistent, splash-free stream of water. Aerators usually create a mixture of water and air, making the stream smoother and allowing the faucet to run longer while using less water.
EPA’s WaterSense program set the maximum flow rate to 1.5 GPM (gallons per minute) or less. Installing aerators on standard faucets can save 0.7 GPM. You won’t even notice a difference in performance.
Consider retrofitting all the faucets in the house because according to the EPA, “Replacing old, inefficient faucets and aerators with WaterSense labeled models can save the average family 700 gallons of water per year, equal to the amount of water needed to take 45 showers.” Or another way they phrase it, “If every home in the United States replaced existing faucets and aerators with WaterSense labeled models, we could save nearly $1.3 billion in water and energy costs and 69 billion gallons of water across the country annually—equivalent to the annual household water needs of more than 680,000 American homes.”
Look for the WaterSense label when purchasing faucet aerators because they have all been independently certified, ensuring they meet the EPA recommendations. Here’s a short video that teachers you how to do the installation. Super simple and effective - stay tuned for more practical and easy tips like this in the coming weeks!
Ready to take action?
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