Conservation Tips

Water Conservation Inside the Home

Here are some quick tips to help you save water inside your home.

In the Bathroom

The bathroom is where you use the most water, so it's where you can save the most.

Toilet

• Don't use your toilet as a garbage disposal or trash can
• Consider installing a low-flow toilet (which is required for replacements and new installations)
• Install a water-saving displacement device in the tank:
  • For older toilets, buy a device that won't harm your plumbing, such as a toilet dam, or improvise one, such as a plastic jug full of water.
  • Be sure the device 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
• A quick way to check for toilet tank leaks:
  • Add dark food coloring to the tank water.
  • Wait 15 to 20 minutes.
  • If you see any coloring in the toilet bowl, water is leaking from the tank.

Sinks

• When you wash your hands, which we all are doing more frequently these days, turn off the faucet while you lather and scrub
• Don't let the water run while you brush your teeth
• When shaving, add water to the sink - don't let the water run
• Promptly repair leaks and drips
• Install water saving devices; Try a faucet aerator to reduce the amount of water used

Tub or Shower

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

In the Kitchen

Dishwasher

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

Handwashing Dishes

• Scrape dishes, do not pre-rinse. Soak pots and pans. Instead of continuously running water, add water to the wash and rinse basins. Use a 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

• To wash vegetables, use a brush and bowl full of water. 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 water in the refrigerator. Make only the amount of coffee, tea, etc. you expect to consume.

In the Laundry

More than 10% of all water used at home is used by the washing machine, so even small conservation efforts can pay off in the long run.

Clothes Washer

• Use the load selector to match the water level to the size of load; If there is no selector, only wash full loads
• Presoak heavily soiled items; Always use minimum amount of detergent
• Check faucets and hose connections for leaks; Make repairs or replacements immediately
• Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks or leaking joints
• If buying a new washer, purchase one with conservation features; Choose a washer with a load size selector or variable water level control

Get tips on Household Leak Detection

Water Conservation Outside the Home

The consumption rate for water-saving devices or products varies significantly. Check the packaging to determine the product's water efficiency. Be as careful and efficient outdoors as you are inside the home. Here are some quick tips:

Hoses

• Check hose and connectors; Repair or replace leaky parts or sections
• Use a nozzle that can be turned off or adjusted to fine spray
• When finished using a hose, turn off the water at the house connection rather than the nozzle at the end of the hose
• For gardens and shrubbery, consider a water-saving drip irrigation system that provides a slow, steady supply of water

Hose bibbs and outdoor faucets are often left active, particularly in the spring and summer. Take steps to prevent someone from using your water. When leaving your home for an extended period, turn your outdoor faucet off from the inside valve to protect against water loss. If you are unable to find this valve, please contact us.

Lawn & Garden

• Water slowly and thoroughly during cool, windless weather
• Let grass grow taller in hot weather
• Use mulch to save moisture
• Plant native and other shrubs that require less watering
• Recycle water
• Water your lawn or garden with recycled cleaning or pool water
• Use a broom or rake instead of water to clean leaves, clippings and debris from driveways and walkways
• Adjust irrigation system settings to reduce watering time duration and frequency

Car washing

• To wash your car, rinse it once, wash from a bucket of soapy water, rinse quickly again
• Used water is fine for chrome, hub caps, wheels

Pool

• Keep the water level low to minimize splashing; Use a cover to slow evaporation (keeps the water cleaner, too)
• Check walls, filtration systems, inlets; repair where needed
• A submeter could reduce your average daily consumption because you don’t pay sewer charges on outside water usage
• Consider filling your pool by leasing a hydrant

Water usage

Your water usage around the house adds up fast. To see just how fast, and how much water you use, check out these water usage facts and figures.

Calculate your water usage

How much water does a household use on average?