Water Saving Tips for Your Home
We use a lot of water. In fact, every American uses an average of 100 gallons a day, enough to fill up two bathtubs! Since you pay for the water you use at home, it makes sense to take a few steps, such as fixing leaks and taking shorter showers, to reduce your water usage.
Bathroom Tips
Fix Leaky Toilets
A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day
Take showers instead of baths
A bath tub uses about 70 gallons of water, but a 5 minute shower only uses 10 to 25 gallons
Install low flow showerheads
They use a third less water than regular shower heads
Fix Leaks
One drop per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year
You may not see or hear a leaky toilet, but it can waste more than 200 gallons of water per day
Here's an easy way to find out if your toilet is leaking.
1. Remove the lid from the back of the toilet
2. Place a drop of food coloring in the tank
3. Wait 15 minutes without flushing
4. If the color shows up in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
Is my toilet leaking?
Kitchen Tips
Run the dishwasher instead of washing by hand
It uses less hot water and could save you $40 per year
Fully load the dishwasher
It costs exactly the same amount to wash one dish as it does to wash a full load
Don't let the water run
To clean fruits or vegetables, put them in the sink or in a pan, and fill it up with water. You could save 50 to 100 gallons of water per month
Scrape, don't rinse
There's no need to pre-rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off any excess food
Laundry Tips
Wash Full Loads
The washer fills up with water whether it has one item or a full load
Use cold water
You'll save money because you are not paying to heat the water. Only use hot water for very dirty loads.
Use the high speed spin cycle
It removes more water, so your laundry won't need to dry as long
Choose an Energy Star Washing Machine
It uses less than half the water and energy of a standard machine
Let your grass grow
Longer grass absorbs more sunlight, making your lawn stronger and thicker
Only water your lawn when needed
If you leave footprints when you walk on the grass, it's time to water
Check the weather
There's no reason to water if it's going to rain
Choose drought-resistant plants
They require less watering and are usually native to your area
Check your aim
The sprinkler should water your lawn, not the sidewalk or the house
Use a drip hose instead
Drip hoses deliver water directly to a plants roots
Check your garden hose for leaks
If it leaks at the connection to the spigot, replace the hose washer and wrap the threads with pipe tape
Water Heater Tips
Turn Down the thermostat to 120 degrees
You'll save money and prevent scalding accidents
Buy a water heater that fits your needs
If it's too big, you'll be paying to heat water you don't need
Insulate your water heater tank
Adding insulation can reduce heat loss and save you money
Insulate hot water pipes
Insulation allows for even lower water temperature settings. Try to insulate all accessible pipes, but especially those within three feet of the tank
Look for an Energy Star Qualified water heater
If you have to replace your water heater, an energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run
Lawn and Garden Tips
Water Heater Tips
Turn Down the thermostat to 120 degrees
You'll save money and prevent scalding accidents
Buy a water heater that fits your needs
If it's too big, you'll be paying to heat water you don't need
Insulate your water heater tank
Adding insulation can reduce heat loss and save you money
Insulate hot water pipes
Insulation allows for even lower water temperature settings. Try to insulate all accessible pipes, but especially those within three feet of the tank
Look for an Energy Star Qualified water heater
If you have to replace your water heater, an energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run
Swimming Pool Tips
Install a pool cover
It reduces evaporation, saving you up to 1,000 gallons of water each month
Turn down the thermostat
Hotter water evaporates more quickly
Keep filters clean
You'll prevent backwash and reduce stress on the filter
Plant a windbreak
Small trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your pool can help block wind and reduce evaporation
Quit horsing around
Excessive splashing wastes water
Is my pool leaking?
A leaking pool can waste more than 100,000 gallons of water per year. If you think you have a leak, look at the filter, pump, heater, and valves, and check the ground for moisture. Turn the pump on and off and look for spraying water when the pump is turned off.
If you're still not sure, a simple test can show if your pool is leaking.
1. Place a bucket of water next to the pool, and mark its level as well as the pool level
2. Wait 24 hours
3. Check both levels. If the pool loses more water than the bucket, you have a leak.
Outside Tips
Use a bucket to wash your car
You'll save 150 gallons of water every time you don't use the hose
Don't hose down the driveway, garage, or sidewalk
Use a broom instead
Install porous walkways and patios
They keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff
Wash your car on the grass
You'll be watering the lawn at the same time