Everyday Ways to Save Water

Kitchen:

Run your dishwasher only when it is full and you could save 1,000 gallons a month.

Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.

If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass, don't throw them in the sink.  Drop them in a houseplant.

 

Laundry Room:

When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments.

When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.

 

Bathroom:

Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves.  Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons a month.

Have low-volume toilets installed.

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute.  That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.

Have a low-flow showerhead installed.  They're inexpensive and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.

Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.

Consider washing your face and/or brushing your teeth in the shower.

 

General & Outside the Home

When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained for your plants.  The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with free and effective fertilizer.

Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets.

Re-use towels instead of using a new one for each shower.

When you give your pet fresh water, don't pour the old water down the drain.  Use it to water trees or shrubs.