CONSERVE A DROP INSIDE
Knock off a third of your annual water costs by incorporating easy fixes and adjustments indoors.
-- Consider using an energy-efficient qualifying washer and use about 55% less water, saving up to 7,000 gallons.Lowe's stores have more ENERGY STAR(R) Major Appliances in stock than any other national big box retailer. In addition, Lowes is ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction among the Largest Appliance Retailers" byJ.D. Power and Associates . -- Install a WaterSense(R)-labeled Price Pfister Brushed Nickel Bathroom Faucet (Item #290886,$122 ), which can reduce a sink's water flow by 30 percent without sacrificing performance. Installing these throughout the average home can save more than 500 gallons of water each year - the equivalent of 8,000 cups of coffee or 12 loads of laundry. -- Replace toilets installed before 2000 with the Jacuzzi Espree WaterSense (R) Toilet (Item #48624,$198 ), which uses 20 percent less water. In just two years, a WaterSense(R) -labeled toilet will pay for itself through utility savings and can save a family of four more than 16,000 gallons of water each year. -- Avoid water waste in the shower by investing in a Moen Nurture Showerhead (Item #82415,$27.98 ). A low-flow showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (GPM) as opposed to 6 GPM from old showerheads. -- Double the efficiency of a kitchen faucet made before 1994 by installing a low-flow aerator. This quick, cost-efficient project - along with a change in habits - can save hundreds of gallons a year.
GET SOAKED IN SAVINGS OUTDOORS
Use less water outdoors this summer while keeping landscaping looking hydrated and well-maintained.
-- Fill planters, window boxes and landscaped areas with WaterWise plants, which can survive without constant watering. Choose from a variety of annuals and perennials, including Lantana, Purple Fountain Grass, Zinnias and Oriental Poppies. -- Promote a lush, emerald-green lawn with Pennington's Smart Seed (Item #289569,$11.97 ), which requires less water than traditional seed varieties. -- Water the yard during the morning or evening when outdoor temperatures are cooler, which will minimize evaporation. -- Help retain moisture by using mulch around landscaping and by using Sta-Green Moisture Max Potting Soil 16 Quart (Item #236310,$4.97 ) which has an exclusive AquaGuard water control formula that absorbs excess moisture to reduce the frequency of watering. -- Install a drip irrigation system like Mister Landscaper Starter Kit (Item #71218,$29.97 ), which can reduce water usage by up to 50 percent when properly maintained. The low-pressure, low-volume delivery system will help maximize water resources while getting the most from plants by keeping roots moist. By combining with a water timer to automate your system and protect your landscape investment, you'll also recapture precious minutes throughout the week.
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Source:Lowe's