Amphiro Water Meter
Photo by Amphiro
If you’re looking for a more accurate way to track how much water you’re using in the shower, the Amphiro may do the trick. The a1 model connects inline between the shower nozzle and the hose, the smart water meter displays the water used, the temperature of the water and also the energy consumed to heat the water. In other words, say good-bye to guilt-free showers.
One of the cooler aspects of the Amphiro is that it runs on power generated by the flow of water through it, so no batteries or hard-wiring is necessary.
Price: $89
More info here
Dual-Flush Toilet
Photo by Kohler
The dual-flush toilet is not a new innovation, but there’s imperative to get this technology into more homes. Toilets account for about 30 percent of a home’s total consumption, so swapping a water hog for a dual-flush has a real potential for water savings.
Pictured here is the Kohler Wellworth dual flush, an EPA WaterSense certified model that has a 1.1 gallon per flush (gpf) option for liquid waste and the more robust 1.6 gpf flush mode for solids. Use of the 1.1 mode can yield a 30 percent water savings over the course of the year, or more than 4,000 gallons.
Price: $253.90
More info here.
Drip Irrigation System
Photo by Rainbird
A drip irrigation system is a must-have for a home with a rain barrel. Drip irrigation guides water directly to the root zone of the plant, reducing evaporation and saving water. There is no shortage to the systems to choose from, but pay attention to what’s in the box so you know you’ve got everything you need. You’ll want to make sure the kit comes with a faucet connector to hook up to your rain barrel or outdoor faucet.
Most kits will come with watering emitters, couplings, tubing and stakes or plugs, as well as various other items. Cost may depend on the size of the kit (number of emitters, etc). Pictured here is a 57-piece kit from Rain Bird. Shop around and find a system that works for you.
Price: $21.10
More info here.
Rain Barrel
Photo by Sarasota Rain Barrels
Rain barrels may seem like moot products in a drought-afflicted area, but the concept of water conservation shouldn’t apply just to those who haven’t seen rain in some time. To address water savings on a national or global scale, every household must reconsider the ways it uses the water nature provides.
The rain barrel is an easy, low-maintenance method for turning rainfall into water for landscape and gardens. There are no moving parts in this low-tech solution, and installation is hardly beyond even the novice DIYer. Factor in low cost and you have a no-brainer.
Couple the rain barrel with a drip irrigation system (next slide) and you’ll be on your way to a truly green landscape design for the home.
Pictured here is a 55-gallon Sarasota Rain Barrel on a 12″ platform, but you can use a wide variety of cistern-type receptacles for yours.
Price: $90
More info here.
Orbital Systems Recycling Shower Unit
Image by Orbital Systems
Want to get serious about saving water? Scrap your current shower system and get with Orbital Systems, a Swedish-designed water recycling system inspired by NASA technology. The Orbital System claims it can save over $1000 per person, per year. How? The water that falls, washes over you and goes down the drain runs through a purifier (which brings the water to drinking water standard) and then pumps the water back up through the showerhead. Since it’s already heated, very little energy goes into getting back up to the right temp.
On top of energy savings (they estimate 80%), you’re also seeing about a 90% savings in water usage. The company says the product will pay itself back in less than 2 years.
Price: TBD
More info here.
Uji Showerhead
Photo by Uji Shower
The Uji showerhead wants you to be aware of how much water you’re using. To do so, it has a built-in light that starts off green when you turn on the water. As you continue, it gradually turns from green to red, indicating that it’s time to get out.
The showerhead does NOT automatically shut off when the light turns red. The change in color itself simply serves as a reminder or alarm. According to the makers of the Uji, user awareness results in a 12 percent reduction of showertime.
The Uji is currently programmed to turn red after 7 minutes, although this time span is not yet finalized by the creators. The company claims that the showerhead will pay for itself after 7 months of use, and then will save around $85/year.
Price: $50
More info here.