During the summer months, it is estimated that a family’s water usage will increase by up to 40%. That’s a tremendous increase simply because of the change of a season.

Granted, the summer months can be extremely hot, and staying cool is the number one priority. But, in addition to playing in the sprinklers, filling the swimming pool, and keeping the slip and slide wet – residential water usage also increases during the summer months due to more people being in the home.

The summer months not only mean a break from school and the kids being home all day but, it also means entertaining friends and family and hosting overnight visits. This all means more work for your dishwasher, washing machine, and plumbing fixtures.

One way you can dramatically reduce the amount of water that your home uses over these months is to install low-flow plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Here are just a few benefits:

• Upgrading your showerheads and faucets to low-flow versions will save you enough money in water to pay off the cost of the new fixtures in one year
• Using low-flow appliances helps to reduce the cost of your water bill AND your power bill, which could have a significant impact on your household budget. This is especially true if you install an energy-efficient water heater as the heating element won’t need to be used as often
• They help to protect the planet and save precious resources
• They may qualify you for incentives and tax breaks, which could help to pay them off sooner

As we quickly move through this summer season, take a look at your water and your power bill and compare them against bills from other seasons. Pay close attention to how much of an increase these bills show during the summer months.

You could save a lot of that additional expense by investing in low-flow fixtures and appliances for your home. These plumbing accessories don’t work any less efficiently, and they have the same durability and longevity as traditional plumbing accessories.

The only difference is, low-flow fixtures will help to save your budget and the planet from unnecessary waste.