30 Water Saving Tips
Start saving water in the bathroom
Inside your house, bathroom facilities claim nearly 75% of the water used. Limiting water use in the bathroom is a great place to start your conservation efforts.
Never pour water down the drain
Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning around your home.
Verify your home is leak free
Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a 2-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.
Retrofit all faucets
Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors to slow the flow of water.
Repair dripping faucets
Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities and adds to your water bill.
Check for toilet tank leaks
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available, and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is done since food coloring may stain tank.)
Check the toilet handle
If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
Install a toilet dam
Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts. When purchasing new or replacement toilets, consider low-volume units which use less than half the water of older models. In many areas, low-volume units are required by local building codes.
Take shorter showers
Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
Shower Savings
In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair.