Water Conservation Tips

Kitchen

Eliminate leaks by replacing old gaskets. A dripping faucet can waste 3,600 gallons per year.
Install faucet aerators.
Keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge, instead of running water until its cold.
Don’t leave the water running while rinsing dishes.
Don’t use a garbage disposal.
Only use the dishwasher for full loads. Use the “water-saving” setting, if available.
Don’t rinse dirty dishes before loading the dishwasher. Scrape them clean and let the machine do the rest.
Don’t thaw frozen food under running water.

Bathroom

Don’t leave the water running while shaving or brushing teeth.
If you hear running water in your toilet tank, adjust the float valve or replace any faulty hardware.
Don’t use your toilet as a waste basket.
Install a water-filled plastic jug or a “toilet tank bag” in your toilet tank to reduce the water used per flush. Don’t use a brick, which may crumble.
Check for leaks by dropping a small amount of liquid food coloring in the upper tank. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
Take shorter showers.
Use faucet aerators and/or water-saving shower heads.

Outdoors

Check for and repair leaky garden taps, hose connections and sprinkler valves.
Water in the morning or evening hours, not during the heat of the day, to reduce evaporation.
Avoid watering on windy days.
Water slowly, thoroughly and as infrequently as possible to promote deep roots and healthy plants.
Hold your garden hose close to the roots of plants to reduce waste and evaporate loss.
Add compost and other organic matter to the soil to improve its water-retaining capacity.
Choose plants that don’t require a lot of water.
Mulch all plant beds to reduce evaporation, weeds and soil temperature.
Position sprinkler so they do not water pavement.
Use household rinse water to water plants in or near the house.
Never let water run unnecessarily.
Limit car washing. Use a bucket and a hose with a spray attachment.
Don’t use the hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. A broom will provide more exercise, anyway.