Water Conservation Tips

Saving Water in the Bathroom? Saving Water in the Kitchen ? Saving Water in the Laundry? Saving Outside Water?   For more comprehensive water saving tips, please visit the Water Use It Wisely web site.

Saving Water in the Bathroom?

The bathroom is where most of the home's water is used --  it is the place where you can save the most.
 

Toilet

• Don't use your toilet for a garbage disposal or a trash can.
• Consider installing a low-flow toilet (required for replacements and new installations).
• Install a water-saving displacement device.
• For older toilets, buy or make a device that won't harm your plumbing such as  a toilet dam or weighted plastic jug full of water.
• Be sure that installation does not interfere with operating parts.
• DO NOT use a brick -- it may disintegrate and cause problems.
• Check overflow pipes to be sure that water is not draining.
• Add dark food coloring to TANK water. DON'T FLUSH! Check water in TOILET BOWL 15-20 minutes later. Color in the toilet bowl means you have a leak.

Sinks

• Fill bowl with water instead of letting water run when you wash, brush teeth or shave.
• Promptly repair leaks and drips.
• Install water saving devices. Try a faucet aerator to reduce amount of water used. 

Tub or Shower  

• Install water-saving devices. Use a low-flow shower head, flow restrictor or cut off valve (lets you shut off water at shower head while soaping up and shampooing without changing the faucet setting).  

 Saving Water in the Kitchen?

Dishwasher

• Economize. Wash only full loads. Avoid using extra cycles. Choose a water-saving model.
• Immediately repair leaks and inspect all connections to make sure they are tight and dry.

Handwashing Dishes  

• Scrape dishes. Do not prerinse. Soak pots and pans. Instead of continuously running water, fill wash and rinse basins with water. Use minimum amount of detergent.

Garbage Disposal 

• Use sink disposal unit sparingly,(but never use without running water) or use a garbage can or compost heap instead.

Food Preparation 

• Use a brush and bowl full of water to wash vegetables. Thaw frozen food in your refrigerator, not under running water. Cook vegetables with a minimum amount of water and save cooking water for soup stock.

Drinking Water 

• Instead of running cold water, keep a container of cold water in the refrigerator. Make only the amount of coffee, tea, etc. you expect to consume.

Saving Water in the Laundry?

More than 10% of all water used at home is used in the washing machine, so even small investments of time and money can pay off in the long run.

Clothes Washer

• Use the load selector to match water level to size of load. ( If no selector then only do full loads.)
• Presoak heavily soiled items. Always use minimum amount of detergent.
• Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. Immediately repair or replace when necessary.
• Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks or leaking joints.
• If buying a new washer, purchase one with conservation features. Choose a washer with load size selector or variable water level control.

Saving Water Outside the Home?

The consumption rate for water-saving devices or products varies significantly. Check plumbing product packaging to determine the product's water efficiency.

Be as careful and efficient outdoors as you are inside the home.
 

Hoses

• Check hose and connectors. Repair or replace leaky parts or sections.
• Use a nozzle which can be shut off or adjusted to fine spray.
• When finished, shut off at the house instead of at nozzle to avoid leaks.
• Consider a water-saving drip irrigation system which provides a slow steady supply of water to garden and shrubbery.

Lawn & Garden 

• Water slowly and thoroughly during cool, windless hours.
• Let grass grow taller in hot weather.
• Use mulch to save moisture.
• Plant native and other shrubs that require less watering.
• Recycle water.
• Water with recycled cleaning or pool water.

Car

• Rinse car once, wash from bucket of soapy water, rinse quickly again.
• Used water is fine for chrome, hub caps, wheels.

Driveways & Walkways 

• Use a broom or rake instead of water to remove leaves, clippings, debris.

Pool

• Keep level low to minimize splashing. Use a cover to slow evaporation (keeps water cleaner, too).
• Check walls, filtration systems, inlets; repair where needed.
   

Water Usage Chart