Why Water-Saving Fixtures Are a Smart Choice for Our Community

This article was shared in the Northfield News and Faribault Daily News.

As we all know, living in the Cannon River Watershed comes with a special responsibility to protect our beautiful water resources. The Cannon River and its tributaries give us drinking water, recreational fun, and essential habitats for local wildlife. But as our community grows, we must be smart about water use. One simple and effective way to do this is by installing water-saving fixtures in our homes.

A woman installing a new faucet aerator.

Let’s dive into why water-saving fixtures like low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and high-efficiency toilets are great for the environment and our wallets! For instance, low-flow showerheads can reduce water usage by up to 60%—around 2,900 gallons a year! Imagine saving $30 to $50 annually just by swapping out your old showerhead.

Faucet aerators are another great addition to any home. They mix air with water to maintain a strong flow, using about 30% less water. This small change can lead to savings of $20 to $30 each year! And don’t forget high-efficiency toilets, which use only 1.28 gallons per flush, saving about 13,000 gallons annually—potentially slashing your water bill by up to $100!

A bonus for property owners in Northfield is the water conservation rebate offered by the city. Rebates are available to cover the costs of installing high-efficiency clothes washers, showerheads, toilets, valve toilets for commercial users, and weather-based irrigation controllers. More information can be found at northfieldmn.gov/370/Water-Conservation. 

By making these changes, we can save money and help our entire community. When we use less water, we lessen the strain on our local water supply and treatment facilities. Even better, adopting these water-saving practices helps us build a culture of responsibility and awareness regarding our precious water resources. By doing our part, we create a stronger, more resilient community ready to tackle the challenges of climate change together.

So, let’s take a step towards a brighter future! By opting for water-saving fixtures in our homes, we can help preserve our water resources, save some money, and set an excellent example for our neighbors. It’s a win-win situation!