Water Conservation Tips: Economize

Look at your water habits – a large amount of water goes down the drain because we have always thought of water as being plentiful and cheap. As a general rule, inside your house, the bathroom facilities make up nearly 75% of the water used. Become aware of the amount of water you use and look for ways to use less. It is important to economize: Think as you use water! Here are a few ideas:

• 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.
• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
• 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.
• When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
• Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
• Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
• Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
• Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
• Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
• 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.
• If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
• When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
• Bathe your young children together.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
• Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
• Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
• 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.
• Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
• Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
• Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
• When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
• For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
• Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
• To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
• While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
• 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.

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Repair Leaks

Install Water Saving Devices

Reuse Water

Saving Water Outdoors

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