Water Conservation Tips

Saving water helps everyone and ensures this precious resource for future generations. Find out how you can save water in and around your home and business.

Indoors:

Consider installing water saving shower heads. They can help save 500 to 800 gallons of water a month.
Shortening your showers by one or two minutes can save up to 700 gallons a month.
Replacing your old water guzzling toilet (3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, gpf) with a new ultra-low flush toilet (1.6 gpf).saves over 700 gallons a month.
Take baths instead of showers. A partially filled tub uses less water than all but the most brief shower and can save you 15 to 20 gallons each time.
Turning off the water while shaving saves 3 gallons a day.
If you wash dishes by hand - don't leave the water running for rinsing. Use a spray device or short blasts from the faucet which can save 20 to 500 gallons a month.
Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinsing them in a filled sink or pan saves 150 to 250 gallons a month.
Using the garbage disposal less and the garbage can more can save 50 to 150 gallons a month.
Fix all leaky toilets, faucets and pipes.
Run only full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.
Capture tap water. While you wait for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the flow in a watering can and use later on houseplants or your garden. Saves 200 to 300 gallons a month.

Outdoors:

Water your lawn only when it needs it. Step on your grass...if it springs back when you lift your foot, it doesn't need water. So set your sprinklers for less frequent watering.
Water your lawn no more than once a week and operate automatic sprinklers manually.
Water during the cool parts of the day. Early morning is better than evenings since it will help prevent fungus and mildew growth.
Don't water on windy days when evaporation is high...this can waste up to 300 gallons in one watering.
Set your lawn mower blades (or ask your gardener) one notch higher...longer grass means less evaporation...saves 500 to 1500 gallons a month.
Don't water the sidewalks, driveway, street, or the side of your house. Adjust sprinklers so the water lands on your lawn or garden - where it belongs.
Don't run the hose while washing your car. Use a bucket of water and a quick hose rinse when finished.
Take your car to a car wash if you can...generally, most car washes filter and recycle a high percentage of the wash/rinse water which is very resource-efficient.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways, patios and sidewalks.
If you have a pool, use a cover to cut down on evaporation. It also will keep the pool cleaner.

Here's How Much Water is Used for Common Activities in and around the home

Brushing Teeth: 3 gallons per day
Shower: 40 gallons/10 minutes
Bath: 20 gallons
Toilet: 28 gallons/day/person
Clothes washer: 45 gallons/load
Cooking: 5 gallons/day
Dishwasher: 15 gallons/load
Landscape: 350 gallons/day
Hosing Driveway: 150 gallons
Car Washing: 150 gallons

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