How to Save Water

Save Indoors

There are lots of things you can do in your own home to reduce your water use and get more from less. Just follow some simple tips below to get started!

In the Bathroom
  1. Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
  2. Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day.
  3. Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you’ve been lathering up.

 

In the Kitchen
  1. Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.
  2. Use a dishwasher – and when you do, make sure it’s fully loaded!
  3. Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before loading it into the dishwasher.
  4. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
  5. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water.
  6. Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.

 

In the Laundry Room
  1. Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
  2. To save money on your energy bills, set your washing machine to use cold water rather than hot or warm water.

A steadily dripping faucet can waste 2,000 gallons of water a year.

Save Outdoors

Just because you aren’t at home doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t think about water conservation. Here are some tips for how to save water outdoors.

Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the US, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household’s outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.

 

In the Yard
  • Create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful and efficient to give your home the curb appeal you desire.
  • Timing is everything! Knowing when and how much to water allows you to keep a healthy landscape.
  • Upgrade to a water-saving controller if you have an in-ground irrigation system.
  • Find a certified irrigation professional to install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it is watering at peak efficiency.

 

Other Outdoor Uses
  • Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
  • Wash the car with water from a bucket or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used.

 

Extreme Heat
  • Take action during the hot summer months when water use increases to curb water waste. Get the facts on water use when it’s hot.
  • If a drought is declared in your area, go the extra mile to save water.

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