Saving Water Indoors

Saving money while saving our most valuable resource? There are lots of things we can do around the house that will help you reduce monthly expenses while helping conserve our water source. A few small changes in your water-use habits can make a huge difference in water savings.

Start conserving - by practicing the tips outlined below a family of four could save up to 25,000 gallons of water in one year!

• In the kitchen:
  • Install an aerators - these little devices are very inexpensive and can reduce your sink water consumption by 50%
  • Scrape dirty dishes instead of rinsing them before washing them
  • Wash only full loads - this saves water, energy, money. Studies show that washing full loads saves 10-20 gallons.
  • Don't put water down the drain when there could be another use for it.
  • Don't use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost them overnight in the refrigerator
• In the bathroom
  • Installing low flow showerheads is one of the best ways to save water inside the home. Limit your shower time to around 5 minutes. These two tips combined will save as much as 1000 gallons per month!
  • Showers use less water than baths. Filling the tub no more than halfway will save water and energy.
  • Avoid running the faucet while brushing your teeth and shaving - these two could save up to 1,200 gallons of water a month
  • Toilets are the number one user of indoor water. Consider replacing older toilets (pre 1992) with newer water efficient models - this alone could save as much as 5 gallons per flush.
  • Not able to replace your toilet? Consider installing a toilet displacement device: use a plastic bag or bottle filled with water to reduce the volume of water in the tank but still provide enough for flushing (Do not use bricks).
  • Avoid using your toilet as a wastebasket - cigarette butts, insects and other things belong in the trash.
  • Check for toilet leaks it only takes 30 minutes and a few drops of food coloring. Add the food coloring to the tank; color water will appear in the bowl if there is a leak.
• In the laundry room
  • Washing only full loads will conserve water AND energy
  • Use hot water only when necessary, always rinse with cold water
  • Consider replacing older units with high efficient units. These new units use up to 40% less water.
  • If your washer has a water level setting - use it
• Repair all leaks immediately! A dripping faucet can waste an estimated 2 gallons of water per hour. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons per year.
• Keep your water sources clean - properly dispose of paints, pesticides and motor oils