Water

  • When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
  • Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
  • Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  • Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
  • Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
  • Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
  • Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
  • If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
  • Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
  • We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  • If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
  • When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
  • Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
  • Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
  • Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
  • Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
  • Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
  • Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
  • When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
  • Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
  • Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
  • Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
  • Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
  • Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
  • Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
  • If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
  • Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
  • Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
  • Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
  • If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
  • Bathe your young children together.
  • Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
  • Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
  • Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
  • If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
  • Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
  • Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
  • Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
  • Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
  • When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
  • When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
  • Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
  • When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.