Water Conservation Tips

Indoor Water Savings

• Fix leaks promptly
  even a slow-dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons per year.
  
  
• Install high-efficiency fixtures
  such as WaterSense-labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets.
  
  
• Take shorter showers
  reducing shower time by just 2 minutes saves up to 5 gallons.
  
  
• Run full loads only
  in dishwashers and washing machines to maximize efficiency.
  
  
• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving
  simple habit, big savings.
  
  
• Use cold water when possible
  for laundry and cleaning tasks.
  
  
• Check toilets for silent leaks
  by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank; if color appears in the bowl, there's a leak.
  
  

Kitchen & Laundry Tips

• Scrape dishes
  instead of rinsing before loading the dishwasher.
  
  
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge
  instead of running the tap to get it cold.
  
  
• Upgrade to ENERGY STAR appliances
  which use significantly less water and energy.
  
  

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

• Water lawns
  early in the morning to reduce evaporation.
  
  
• Use a rain gauge
  to avoid over?watering; most lawns need only 1 inch per week.
  
  
• Check hoses and outdoor spigots
  for leaks each spring.
  
  
• Install a rain barrel
  to capture roof runoff for gardens and landscaping.
  
  
• Choose native or drought-tolerant plants
  that require less watering.
  
  
• Sweep driveways and sidewalks
  instead of hosing them down.
  
  
• Adjust sprinklers
  so they water only grass and plants - not sidewalks or streets.
  
  
• Use mulch
  around trees and shrubs to retain soil moisture.