As a homeowner, one area of our lives that we often take for granted – but shouldn’t – is water. After all, it’s readily available to us, and using it every day, we never stop to think about how we’re managing that usage. But the truth is, we should, as there are several ways that we can all be smarter, not only about how we use the water we do, but also how much. Here are six smart water-management investments that you can make today that will pay off in terms of cost and value in the future.
No. 1: Point-of-Use (POU) Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
A POU RO system filters water at the point where it is used, such as the kitchen sink. This can help remove contaminants and impurities from your drinking water, making it safer and more pleasant to drink. Additionally, having a RO system can save you money in the long run, as you won’t need to purchase bottled water, which on average can run anywhere from $600 to $800 per year for the average family. This cost can add up quickly, especially if you consider the environmental impact of bottled water, including the energy and resources required to produce and transport it.
On the other hand, water from a POU RO system is not only more affordable in the long run but also of much higher quality than bottled water. RO systems remove contaminants such as bacteria, chlorine, lead, and other impurities that can be found in tap water. The end result is pure, clean drinking water that is free of harmful contaminants.
Contact us today at Houston Water Solutions to learn more about our reverse osmosis systems and get a free water quality analysis to get started.
No. 2: Smart Water Meter
A smart water meter is an electronic device that measures and records the consumption of water in a household. The key feature of a smart water meter is that it allows for real-time monitoring and reporting of water usage through wireless communication. It works this way:
First It measures water usage. The smart water meter uses a digital sensor to measure the flow of water through the meter. This data is then recorded and transmitted to the utility company via a secure network. It also can be accessed by the homeowner through an app. This can help homeowners identify areas where they can reduce water waste and save money on their water bills.
The utility company can then use the data from the smart water meter to monitor water usage in real-time, allowing them to identify and address any issues related to water waste or leaks. Also, it uses this data to more accurately bill customers for their water usage. This eliminates the need for estimated billing and ensures that customers are only charged for the water they actually use.
No. 3: Low-Flow Showerheads and Toilets
Installing low-flow showerheads and toilets can help you save water and reduce your monthly water bill. These products use less water while still providing the same level of performance, making them an excellent investment for households looking to be more eco-friendly.
Low flow toilets work by using less water per flush, typically around 1.28 gallons per flush (GPF) compared to traditional toilets which use about 1.6 GPF or more. This is achieved through a combination of a smaller flush valve, a redesigned trapway, and a more efficient flushing system. The smaller amount of water used per flush is sufficient to move waste through the plumbing and into the sewer or septic system, while conserving water.
Low flow showerheads, meanwhile, work by reducing the amount of water that comes out of the showerhead, typically around 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) compared to traditional showerheads which use around 3 GPM or more. This is achieved through a combination of water-saving designs, aeration, and flow restrictors that mix air with water to create a full, satisfying shower experience.
Over time, this can save you big money on your water bill. Both low-flow toilets and showerheads are generally easy to install. Many models simply replace your existing fixtures and can be installed with basic hand tools and a few simple steps.
No. 4: Smart Irrigation System
A smart irrigation system is one that leverages technology to efficiently manage the watering of lawns and gardens. The system takes into consideration various factors such as soil moisture levels, weather conditions, and user-defined settings to determine the optimal amount of water needed for the plants and adjusts the watering schedule accordingly.
Using sensors to monitor the soil moisture levels, environmental factors, and weather data such as rainfall, temperature, and humidity levels, this “smart” system can automate a watering schedule based on these types of variables. This helps to conserve water and reduce water waste by avoiding unnecessary watering. The homeowner can also set their preferred schedule through a control panel or mobile app, which the system will automatically adjust based on changing conditions.
The result: lower water bills and a reduction in the environmental impact of irrigation.
No. 5: Smart Leak Detection System
Installing a smart leak detection system in your home can help you prevent costly water damage and save water. These systems use sensors to detect leaks and will alert you about any issues through your smartphone or other devices. This allows you to quickly identify and fix leaks before they become a major problem. In addition, some smart leak detection systems can automatically shut off the water supply when a leak is detected, preventing further damage and water waste.
Investing in a smart leak detection system is an excellent way to protect your home and save water. By detecting leaks early, you can save money on repairs and water bills, and reduce the risk of water damage to your home. Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts for homeowners who have smart leak detection systems installed, making this investment even more attractive.
No. 6: Whole-Home Water Conditioning
There are several reasons why homeowners might want to invest in whole-home water conditioning:
First, you get improved water quality as these systems can both remove hard water deposits and other impurities. This can result in better-tasting water, improved skin and hair health, and a reduction in the need for bottled water.
Second, because you’re ridding the water of calcium and magnesium – those minerals that can build up and clog pipes, damage appliances, and cause corrosion – you’re helping to protect both your plumbing and appliances, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for costly repairs.
Third, a whole home water conditioning system can help reduce the amount of energy required to heat water, as well as reduce the buildup of scale in water heaters and pipes. This can result in lower energy bills and improved efficiency.
Finally, a whole-home water conditioner can add value to a home. The exact amount that it will add depends on several factors, such as the type of system, the condition of the water, and the location of the home. However, on average, a whole home water conditioner is estimated to add between 2% and 5% to the value of a home. This may not seem like a significant amount, but it can make a noticeable difference in the overall value of your home. Additionally, many home buyers are looking for homes with upgraded and efficient water systems, and a whole home water conditioner can be a selling point when it comes time to sell your home.
It’s important to note that while a whole home water conditioner can add value to a home, it may not recoup the entire cost of the installation in the short term. However, the benefits of improved water quality, protection of plumbing and appliances, and energy savings can make this investment worthwhile for homeowners who are planning to stay in their homes for an extended period.
Make sure to contact us at Houston Water Solutions to learn more about our whole-home water conditioning solutions.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to get started with a point-of-use, reverse osmosis system or whole-home water conditioning system, make sure you get started today with our free water quality analysis. We’ll send a technician to your home, and we’ll analyze your water for these hard water deposits and other contaminants. And then we’ll recommend the right water softening/water filtration solution for you. It’s that easy.