DAYLIGHT SAVINGS & ITS IMPACT ON YOUR WATER SUPPLY
This time of year is a little bit painful. That Spring Forward that comes with the start of Daylight Savings Time always feels like a lost hour of sleep, especially when that first alarm rings for work. It feels like it takes at least a week for our body to fully adjust to the new time.
And if you have kids, it feels like it takes even longer. However, once we get past the brutal changing of the clocks, Daylight Savings Time means a host of really fun things. The days get longer, you can start enjoying even barbecues and, in general, it is just one of the best times of the year.
However, this time of year can also have some unintended consequences. Daylight Savings Time can actually have an impact on your water usage and your plumbing system. In fact, if you aren’t careful, your water usage can go up and your bill can get higher. A few smart choices can help minimize the impact on your life.
Where Does Daylight Savings Time Come From?
Who started this whole crazy idea of changing our clocks anyway? One answer might be, surprisingly, Benjamin Franklin. He actually suggested changing the clocks, suggesting the fewer candles would be used if it was light later in the evenings, rather than the mornings.
However, it remains up for debate to this day whether or not Franklin, also a humorist, was just kidding or actually serious. It wasn’t until 1966 when the practice became standardized when Congress passed a law.
This legislation stated that unless a state opted out of it, everyone would use Daylight Savings Time. The rationale at the time was that the practice saved energy. However, polls have shown that people simply liked it being light later.
Does Daylight Savings Save Water And Energy?
If the rationale for Daylight Savings is that it saves energy, it begs the question if that is actually true. Several people have tried to answer that question and the results have actually been pretty surprising.
For whatever reason, studies have shown that people actually tend to use slightly more energy during Daylight Savings Time. Right along with that, water usage tends to go up as well.
If you aren’t careful, you can actually see your monthly utility bills spike during the time so it is a good time to be mindful of your energy and water usage.
Saving Money by Going Green
Simple tips can help you save money, with the added benefit of being environmentally friendly as well. Only washing full loads of laundry and dishes, turning off the water while you are brushing your teeth and utilizing low flow appliances can all help reduce your water usage during the months of Summer, keeping your bill low.
Combat the added water use of the season by being cognizant of how you use one of the planet’s most precious resources. In addition, this can help reduce the wear and tear on your piping, prolonging its life. Save green by going green.
If you are looking for assistance managing your water use or exploring the installation of low flow water appliances, an expert at Epic Plumbing. will be happy to help. Simply call (281) 815-2322 and we’ll be happy to help.