How to Conserve Water in Your Home
- Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the washing machine. Run the dishwasher when full. These two appliances use the same amount of water whether they are full or only have a couple items in them. When replacing these machines, consider buying appliances that are water efficient.
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets. Most faucet leaks are caused by worn washers. Most toilet leaks occur when parts are worn or in need of adjustment and can go undetected at first. Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If coloring appears in the toilet bowl without flushing, there is a leak. When replacing faucets and toilets, consider buying those with a low consumption rate.
- Don't use your toilet as a trash can. Each time you flush away a cigarette butt, spider, gum wrapper, hair from your hairbrush, etc., you are wasting 5 to 7 gallons of water! Please throw these items in the trash can.
- Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until cold.
- Water lawns and gardens with a slow, steady trickle of water early in the morning. When mowing, set the height of your mower to three inches to keep grass roots shaded and helps the lawn hold moisture. Plant grasses and shrubs that require little watering or are drought resistant.
- For further information on water conservation, contact the American Water Works Association, U.S. Department of Natural Resources Conservation Service, or the Environmental Protection Agency.
