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Easy Ways to Save Water

Saving water starts with you! Not only does it help the environment, but it also reduces your utility bills. Here are some simple tips:

In the Kitchen

• Wash Dishes Efficiently: Use two sinks—one for washing and one for rinsing, instead of running water.
• Upgrade Appliances: Consider air-cooled refrigerators and ice-makers to save water.
• Full Loads Only: Run the dishwasher only when it’s full to save water, energy, and money.
• Limit Garbage Disposal Use: Compost vegetable scraps instead to save gallons of water.
• Keep Water in the Fridge: Store a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for cold drinks instead of running the tap.
• Wash Vegetables in a Pan: Use a small pan of water to rinse vegetables, and reuse that water for plants.
• Cook with Less Water: Use a lid when cooking to save water and retain nutrients.
• Designate a Drinking Glass: Use one glass or refill a water bottle daily to reduce dishwashing.
• Thaw Food Safely: Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of using running water.
• Rinse Less: New dishwashers clean better, so skip rinsing before loading.
• Reuse Ice: If you drop ice, put it on a plant instead of throwing it away.

In the Bathroom

• Shorten Showers: Cutting your shower by a minute can save 150 gallons a month.
• Turn Off Water While Brushing: Save 25 gallons a month by turning off the tap.
• Shower Over Bath: Showers generally use less water than baths.
• Check for Leaks: Test toilets for leaks using food coloring; fix any silent leaks.
• Use Low-Volume Toilets: Install toilets that use only 1.6 gallons per flush.
• Avoid Flushing Trash: Don’t use the toilet for tissues or other waste.
• Wash Hands with Cold Water: Save water and energy by using cold water when possible.
• Install Aerators: Add water-saving aerators to faucets.

In the Laundry

• Full Loads Only: Use your washer and dishwasher only when full to save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Wash in Cold Water: This saves water and energy while preserving colors.
• Match Water Levels: Adjust the water level according to your load size.

Plumbing and Appliances

• Check for Leaks: Fix slow drips—these can waste 170 gallons a day.
• Repair Faucets: Learn to fix leaky faucets easily to save water.
• Look for Hidden Leaks: Monitor your water meter to detect leaks.
• Insulate Hot Water Pipes: This reduces waiting time for hot water.
• Set Water Heater Correctly: Avoid high settings that waste water and energy.
• Use Moisture Meters: Prevent over-watering plants.

Outdoor Use

• Water Wisely: Check soil moisture before watering.
• Avoid Over-Watering: Use a timer to apply just enough water.
• Water Early: Water lawns in the morning to reduce evaporation.
• Use Efficient Sprinklers: Choose ones that minimize evaporation.
• Drip Irrigation: Use drip systems for plants to avoid waste.
• Mulch Your Soil: This helps retain moisture.
• Choose Water-Wise Plants: Select drought-tolerant plants suitable for your area.
• Avoid Hose Sweeping: Use a broom for driveways and sidewalks.
• Wash Cars with Buckets: Use a bucket for washing and only rinse with a hose.