As water costs rise nationwide and many communities face droughts and supply challenges, water efficiency at home is becoming increasingly important. Household leaks waste thousands of gallons of water each year that drive up utility bills and often cause costly damage.
Even small, undetected leaks can add up. Common issues like a stuck fill valve in a toilet can waste more than 4,000 gallons of water per day and increase monthly utility costs by $1,400, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. A malfunctioning irrigation system that leaks at one gallon per minute can waste $5,700 per year.
Fortunately, today’s smart home technology can help owners identify problems early and use water more efficiently, both indoors and outdoors. Whether you want to upgrade your current home or build from the ground up, many options are available to help reduce water waste.
Here are three leading technologies to save water at home:
Smart leak detection and flow monitoring devices: Smart leak detection and flow monitoring devices help homeowners find issues before they become costly repairs. Some systems monitor water usage throughout a home and send alerts when unusual activity suggests a leak. More advanced models can automatically shut off water if a leak is detected. Many devices can also monitor temperature and alert consumers about frozen pipes. These devices help reduce water waste, prevent damage and often even lower home insurance premiums.
High-efficiency fixtures and appliances: Modern faucets, showerheads, toilets and appliances, especially those certified by federal programs like ENERGY STAR and WaterSense, are designed to use less water than older models without sacrificing performance. A standard-sized ENERGY STAR-certified dishwasher can save nearly 6,000 gallons of water over its lifetime compared to conventional models, and certified clothes washers use about 30% less water than regular washers. These upgrades are simple ways to improve a home’s long-term efficiency and cost savings.
Smart irrigation controllers: Outdoor watering accounts for a significant portion of residential water use, but irrigation leaks and garden hoses can waste thousands of gallons annually. An irrigation system that has a leak just one-thirty-second of an inch in diameter — about the thickness of a dime – can waste about 6,300 gallons of water per month, according to the EPA. Smart irrigation controllers respond to local weather conditions and adjust watering schedules automatically. They provide the proper amount of water for landscaping, require minimal maintenance, and can detect leaks to eliminate waste.
If you’re interested in a home upgrade, an NAHB Certified Green Professional can combine the NAHB Water Matrix with cutting-edge building science and new products to boost water efficiency. Contact the Building Industry Association of Stark County and East Central Ohio at info@biastark.orgto connect with trusted local professionals and learn more about the National Green Building Standard certification.
Preston Roseman is 2026 president of the Building Industry Association of Stark County & East Central Ohio.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Smart technology can save water at home
Reporting by Preston Roseman, Special to The Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Preston Roseman, Special to The Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
