Water Conservation Tips

In the Kitchen . . .

• Use the dishwasher only for full loads.
• Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap for a cool drink of water.
• Rinse fruits and vegetables in a filled sink or pan full of water.
• Dispose of food scraps in the garbage can rather than the garbage disposal.

In the Bathroom . . .

• Take shorter showers. Shortening the time in the shower can save 2.5-5 gallons for each minute.
• Check toilets for leaks. Toilets are the most common source of leaks in the home.
• Turn the water off while brushing teeth and shaving.
• Dispose of trash in the wastebasket instead of the toilet.
• Replace older shower heads (5-10 gallons/minute) with low-flow shower heads (2.5 gallons/min.)
• Replace older toilets (3-5 gallons/flush) with water saver toilets (1.6 gallons/flush)
• Repair dripping faucets. A dripping faucet can waste as much as 20 gallons/day.

Outside the Home . . .

• Water the lawn only when it needs it. If the grass springs back when you step on it, there’s no need to water.
• Water the lawn during the morning or evening to minimize evaporation. Don’t water the lawn on windy days or when there is a chance of rain.
• Water the lawn and not the sidewalk, driveway, or porch.
• Don’t permit children to play with the hose or sprinklers.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants, and place mulch around trees and plants to help retain moisture.
• Wash your cars with a bucket of soapy water, and only use the hose for rinsing. Or take your car to a local car wash that recycles water.
• Use a broom instead of the hose to clean driveways, sidewalks, and patios.
• Cover pools to reduce evaporation.