It can be difficult for individuals and communities to know what they can do to lessen environmental impact, especially when the biggest polluters tend to be the biggest corporations. However, there are ways to make small, concentrated differences in consumption, and one of these is improving water conservation. The importance of water conservation goes far beyond saving money, although that is certainly a perk. When you conserve water, you help protect this precious natural resource so that future generations can enjoy it in the same way you do. Therefore, any changes you can make to help conserve water are well worth the time and effort involved.

Here are just a few small changes you can make that can massively improve water conservation efforts.

Reduce Use of Garbage Disposal

Although your garbage disposal provides a handy way to get rid of kitchen waste, using it regularly can result in excess water usage. That’s why, to save water, reducing the use of your garbage disposal is a great first step. Instead of sending kitchen waste down the drain, you can simply throw it away or compost it to create rich soil for your garden. Composting also has other benefits for your soil and garden and helps you to be more environmentally conscious.

Stop Leaks

A leaking toilet or faucet can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water a year. Therefore, even small leaks deserve immediate attention from a plumber. After the plumber fixes any noticeable leaks, it’s a good idea to have them test for any leaks that are harder to spot to ensure that you’re saving as much water as possible.

Replace Your Toilet

If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your toilet, this upgrade can make a great investment toward conserving water in your home. The old standard of 1.6 gallons-per-flush has been replaced with a new standard of 1.28 gallons-per-flush. You can also find toilets that use as little as 0.8 gallons-per-flush, which can make a sizeable impact on your monthly water use, especially if you have a larger family. Depending on your local water company rates, your toilet may be able to pay for itself in less than a year.

Install Sensors

Your home’s irrigation system is an important tool to help you save time and money. The problem, though, is when your irrigation system runs even when it has rained recently. That’s why it’s important to install sensors on your irrigation system that detect local rainfall so that your system only runs when it’s absolutely necessary. This helps keep your plants thriving while also helping to conserve water.

Do Your Part

Although small changes that you make at home might not seem like a big deal, it’s important to remember the big picture. As more and more people make changes to help conserve water, the total amount of water saved will increase exponentially. This will greatly reduce energy use and help create the better future that everyone wants to see.