Water Saving Tips for Your Home

We use a lot of water. In fact, every American uses an average of 100 gallons a day, enough to fill up two bathtubs! Since you pay for the water you use at home, it makes sense to take a few steps, such as fixing leaks and taking shorter showers, to reduce your water usage.

Bathroom Tips

Fix Leaky Toilets

A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons of water per day

Take showers instead of baths

A bath tub uses about 70 gallons of water, but a 5 minute shower only uses 10 to 25 gallons

Install low flow showerheads

They use a third less water than regular shower heads

Fix Leaks

One drop per second wastes more than 3,000 gallons of water per year

You may not see or hear a leaky toilet, but it can waste more than 200 gallons of water per day

Here's an easy way to find out if your toilet is leaking.

1. Remove the lid from the back of the toilet

2. Place a drop of food coloring in the tank

3. Wait 15 minutes without flushing

4. If the color shows up in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.

Is my toilet leaking?

Kitchen Tips

Run the dishwasher instead of washing by hand

It uses less hot water and could save you $40 per year

Fully load the dishwasher

It costs exactly the same amount to wash one dish as it does to wash a full load

Don't let the water run

To clean fruits or vegetables, put them in the sink or in a pan, and fill it up with water. You could save 50 to 100 gallons of water per month

Scrape, don't rinse

There's no need to pre-rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Just scrape off any excess food

Laundry Tips

Wash Full Loads

The washer fills up with water whether it has one item or a full load

Use cold water

You'll save money because you are not paying to heat the water. Only use hot water for very dirty loads.

Use the high speed spin cycle

It removes more water, so your laundry won't need to dry as long

Choose an Energy Star Washing Machine

It uses less than half the water and energy of a standard machine

Let your grass grow

Longer grass absorbs more sunlight, making your lawn stronger and thicker

Only water your lawn when needed

If you leave footprints when you walk on the grass, it's time to water

Check the weather

There's no reason to water if it's going to rain

Choose drought-resistant plants

They require less watering and are usually native to your area

Check your aim

The sprinkler should water your lawn, not the sidewalk or the house

Use a drip hose instead

Drip hoses deliver water directly to a plants roots

Check your garden hose for leaks

If it leaks at the connection to the spigot, replace the hose washer and wrap the threads with pipe tape

Water Heater Tips

Turn Down the thermostat to 120 degrees

You'll save money and prevent scalding accidents

Buy a water heater that fits your needs

If it's too big, you'll be paying to heat water you don't need

Insulate your water heater tank

Adding insulation can reduce heat loss and save you money

Insulate hot water pipes

Insulation allows for even lower water temperature settings. Try to insulate all accessible pipes, but especially those within three feet of the tank

Look for an Energy Star Qualified water heater

If you have to replace your water heater, an energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run

Lawn and Garden Tips

Water Heater Tips

Turn Down the thermostat to 120 degrees

You'll save money and prevent scalding accidents

Buy a water heater that fits your needs

If it's too big, you'll be paying to heat water you don't need

Insulate your water heater tank

Adding insulation can reduce heat loss and save you money

Insulate hot water pipes

Insulation allows for even lower water temperature settings. Try to insulate all accessible pipes, but especially those within three feet of the tank

Look for an Energy Star Qualified water heater

If you have to replace your water heater, an energy-efficient model could save you money in the long run

Swimming Pool Tips

Install a pool cover

It reduces evaporation, saving you up to 1,000 gallons of water each month

Turn down the thermostat

Hotter water evaporates more quickly

Keep filters clean

You'll prevent backwash and reduce stress on the filter

Plant a windbreak

Small trees and shrubs around the perimeter of your pool can help block wind and reduce evaporation

Quit horsing around

Excessive splashing wastes water

Is my pool leaking?

A leaking pool can waste more than 100,000 gallons of water per year. If you think you have a leak, look at the filter, pump, heater, and valves, and check the ground for moisture. Turn the pump on and off and look for spraying water when the pump is turned off.

If you're still not sure, a simple test can show if your pool is leaking.

1. Place a bucket of water next to the pool, and mark its level as well as the pool level

2. Wait 24 hours

3. Check both levels. If the pool loses more water than the bucket, you have a leak.

Outside Tips

Use a bucket to wash your car

You'll save 150 gallons of water every time you don't use the hose

Don't hose down the driveway, garage, or sidewalk

Use a broom instead

Install porous walkways and patios

They keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff

Wash your car on the grass

You'll be watering the lawn at the same time