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Ways
to Conserve Water
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Take
a 5-minute shower instead of a bath. This can save about
21 gallons per shower.
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Install
a low-flow shower head to reduce water use by 50% or more.
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New
ultra-low-flush models use 1.9 gallons per flush rather than
7 or 8 gallons.
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Don't
use toilets as a wastebasket, flush only when essential.
This can save at least 14 gallons per day.
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When
brushing teeth, use a glassful of water instead of running
tap. This can save 3 or more gallons per brushing.
In
the Kitchen:
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When
washing dishes by hand, wash in a filled basin, not with
running water. This can save 30 gallons per load.
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When
using a dishwasher, wait until you have a full load, short
cycle uses only 7 gallons. This can save 11-13 gallons
per each cycle not run.
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Keep
a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator instead of
running it at the tap until it cools. This can save about
2 gallons per drink.
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Thaw
frozen foods in the refrigerator, not under running water.
This can save 6 gallons or more per meal.
In
the Laundry Room:
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Wait
until you have a full load. This can save about 35 gallons
for each small load not run.
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Purchase
a new washing machine with water-saving features; load
size selector; and variable water level control. This
can save as much as 35 gallons per load.
Lawn
& Garden:
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Deep
soak garden once weekly rather than sprinkle lightly several
times a week. This can save over 59 gallons a week in
the summer.
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Water
evening or morning to prevent rapid evaporation during
heat of day. This can save 42 gallons per 1/2 acre of
watering not needed.
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Use
a nozzle which can be shut off or adjusted. This can save
6 gallons per minute.
Outside
Around the Home:
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Use
a broom rather than a hose to remove leaves and debris
from driveway, walk patio, and pool decks. This can save
29 gallons per 5 minutes of work.
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Cover
swimming pool to slow down the evaporation of water. This
can save the equivalent of its volume each year.
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Use
a carwash that recycles water or wash car at home. This
can save 70 gallons per wash at a car wash.
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Wash
car with a bucket, sponge and a hose with a shutoff valve.
This can save 50 gallons or more per wash.
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Reduce:
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Don't
use your toilet as a garbage can. Flushing garbage away only wastes
water and can cause problems at the sewage treatment plant.
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Take
a shorter shower. Just five minutes less could save 22 gallons of water
per shower.
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Only
run your washing machine for a full load of clothes.
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Repair:
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Check
for leaks. Take a reading of your water meter before you go to bed.
If the reading has increased in he morning, you probably have a leak
somewhere in your house. If no one has used any water in your house
but the meter reading has increased, you have a leak!
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Fix
a toilet that runs on after flushing and save 5 - 10 gallons of water
per hour!
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Replace
worn washers that cause faucet leaks.
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Retrofit:
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