Tips to Conserve Water Indoors

A person may use 60 - 80 gallons of water each day. Efficient home water use cuts your water bill and also reduces energy and wastewater costs.

1. Change habits and use less water.
   • In the Bathroom
   • • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Wet your toothbrush, then draw a glass of water for rinsing. Before shaving, partially fill the sink with warm water to rinse the razor blade.
     • Don't use the toilet as a trash can.
     • Take shorter showers or bathe in half a tub of water.
   • In the Kitchen
   • • Run the dishwasher only when it's full. Do small loads by hand.
     • Don't rinse the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. Scrap them clean.
     • When washing fruits or vegetables, fill the sink with water instead of running the faucet.
     • Store a jug of water in the refrigerator for a cool drink.
   • In the Laundry
   • • Run only full loads in the washing machine unless you can adjust for smaller loads.
     • Pre-treat stains to avoid the need for rewashing.
     • Check washer hoses regularly for cracks that could result in leaks.
     • Purchase a high-efficiency washer – save water and get a $50 bill credit.
2. Install water-saving fixtures and appliances.
   • Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
   • • Replace an older showerhead with a water conserving showerhead, ideally one that uses 2 gpm or less.
     • A faucet’s flow rate is determined by its aerator, the screw-on tip of the faucet nozzle. Aerators are inexpensive and one of the most cost-effective water-efficiency measures. Look for a kitchen aerator of 2.2 gpm or a bathroom aerator of 1.0 or 1.5 gpm. Bring your old aerator to the store to ensure you purchase an aerator that will fit.
   • Use less water for flushing toilets
   • Buy a high efficiency clothes washer and get a $50 bill credit.
3. Find and repair leaks.
   Dripping faucets and running toilets can waste hundreds or thousands of gallons of water each month. Periodically check all toilets, faucets, showerheads, dishwasher, hot-water heater and irrigation system.
4. • Faucet Leaks
     A worn washer usually causes the leak. If leaking continues after replacing the washer, check water-line connections and valves. Tighten if they’re loose.
   • Toilet Leaks
     

     Toilets are the most common sources of leaks, but sometimes are hard to detect. Place a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank and wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak to repair.

     Look at the tank. If water flows into the overflow tube, the ball cock isn't closing properly. Bend the float arm down. If the ball cock still doesn't close before water runs down the tube, it needs to be replaced.
     If the ball cock isn't the problem, the flapper valve is probably worn out. Make sure scale or grit is not preventing the flapper from closing properly. Replace a worn flapper.

     For more information about toilet repairs, visit Toiletology.

For more water-saving tips in the home, explore the Water Saver Home.