Tips for saving water: Inside the home
Approximately 60% OF TOTAL HOUSEHOLD WATER SUPPLY is used inside the home in three main areas: the kitchen, the bathroom, and the laundry room.
Follow these tips to reduce water use indoors:
- Make sure all faucets are tightly turned off and not leaking: A leaking faucet could waste up to 4,000 gallons per year.
- Replace old faucets with new water-efficient models or install aerators to reduce flow.
In the Bathroom
- Install low flow toilets or install a water-saving displacement device in the tank to reduce the amount of water needed to flush.
- Test all toilets regularly for leaks: A leaking toilet could waste up to 100 gallons a day.
- Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket.
- Replace old showerheads: Low flow showerheads can save 3 gallons per minute.
- Take shorter showers.
- Turn off water when shaving or brushing teeth.
- Reuse water when you can. A bucket in the shower can catch water for plants and clean-up jobs.
In the Kitchen
- Run dishwasher only when full.
- Consider water use when purchasing a new dishwasher: New water and energy efficient models use 20% less water.
- Defrost food in refrigerator instead of using running water: A running faucet uses about a gallon of water per minute.
- Use wash and rinse basins rather than running water when washing dishes by hand. Use minimal detergent so you do not have to rinse as much.
- Do not prerinse dishes before loading into dishwasher.
- Keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than waiting for cold water from the faucet.
- Wash foods in a basin of water rather than using running water.
In the Laundry
- Run full loads of laundry instead of many small loads.
- Consider energy and water efficiency when purchasing new laundry machines: Newer models use 40% less water and can save up to 6,000 gallons per year.