At Jensen and Company, we know there are still more efforts our community can make to preserve the natural features around us – and that includes our water usage. Take a look at these water-saving solutions to see which ideas you could implement in your home this summer.

Conserving water + saving money on your water bill = a win-win for all of us.

Upgrade Water-Utilizing Appliances

There are multiple appliances through your home which can send extra gallons of water swirling down the drain. Check these appliances for water efficiency:

• Washing machine – Top-loading washing machines can often use 30%-50% more water than a water-saving front-loading washing machine, especially if the top-loading washers are over five years old.
• Refrigerator – When checking your refrigerator, check to see if the water dispenser leaks. A steady leak can not only add to your water bill but can also ruin the finish on your fridge. Also, be sure to check the water line which connects your fridge to the central plumbing in the kitchen. If this line springs a leak, it can ruin the cabinetry it runs through and can cause your water bill to skyrocket.
• Dishwasher – If you are interested in a water-saving dishwasher, look for the ones with an Energy Star label. These dishwashers often only use 4 gallons of water per use.

Upgrading to Energy Star and water-efficient appliances will also help to sell your home if the appliances are included in the sale.

Replace Fixtures With Water-Efficient Models

When it comes to the fixtures in your home, like your bathroom faucets, toilets, and showerheads, you can replace them with more efficient versions. Fix these features right away if you notice a leak. Continuous water running can make your water bill add up quickly.

As you consider new fixtures which will help you save water, you should look for the WaterSense symbol. This symbol means the fixture meets the water-saving criteria set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Toilets, in particular, can waste vast amounts of water. This problem can become even more pronounced if you are entertaining family or friends. If you don’t want to replace your toilets, you can easily have a float boost or tank boat added to the toilet tank. These devices require your toilet tank to use less water.

Change Water Consumption Habits

Along with upgrading your appliances and fixtures, there are some simple water consumption habits you can change to achieve more water-saving this summer.

• Wait until the dishwasher is completely full before running it.
• As you set your washing machine cycle, skip the permanent press cycle, as it can use an extra 5-7 gallons of water on a simple rinse cycle.
• Go to a car wash instead of cleaning it at home and adding to your water usage.
• Focus on taking shorter showers. Timers can help remind you to end the shower so you can lower your water bill.
• Cover your outdoor pool when not in use to help prevent evaporation and the need to refill it.

Evaluate Your Landscaping Needs

If you have a landscaped yard, you may be losing a good deal of money to watering your landscaping in the summer. One way to concern water is by watering before 9:30 am. This results in more water seeping into the ground rather than evaporating due to sun exposure. If your Park City Property is sloped, take precautions to make sure you aren’t overwatering, allowing the majority of your water to run off into the street.

More natural landscaping is ideal for many Park City homes, allowing native plants to grow that require less water and maintenance. These plants include:

Dwarf Mountain Lover

Kinnikinnick

Jackman Pontentilla

Gro-low Fragrant Sumac

Little Bluestem

Snowberry

Rocky Mountain Penstemon

Serviceberry

Box Elder Manitoba

Quaking (Aspen Tree)

Narrowleaf Cottonwood

For more specific real estate advice concerning Park City, Brad Jensen from Jensen and Company is here to help you. Feel free to contact us today to work with the top real estate agent in Park City.