Water Conservation Tips for Consumers

  1. Around the House
  2. Kitchen & Laundry
  3. Lawn & Yard

All Around the House

  • Check every faucet for leaks. Just a slow drip can waste 15 or 20 gallons a day.
  • Use a broom, not the hose, to clean the garage, sidewalks, and driveway.
  • Wash the car from a bucket. Use the hose only to rinse it off afterwards.
  • Insulate the hot water heater, pay special attention to the insulation qualities of the shell. Avoid buying a larger tank than is necessary for your needs.

Bathroom

Toilets

Toilet flushing consumes nearly half of the daily household consumption using about five to seven gallons per flush.

  • Your toilet is not a wastebasket - don’t use it to flush away cigarette butts or kleenex.
  • Toilet dams save about two gallons per flush
  • Most new toilets presently available on the market are engineered for low volume and use about 3 1/2 gallons per flush.
  • Put a few drops of food coloring in your tank. If colored water shows in the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak and repairs are needed.

Bathing

Bathing usually consumes the second greatest quantity of water in the home.

  • A shower generally uses less water than a bath
  • Do your showering and hair washing in one step
  • Fill the tub on 1/4 full. This is enough to cover an adult’s body or float a child’s toy.
  • Most showers can be fitted with a flow restrictor or low-volume head to conserve water
  • Don’t turn the shower on until you’re ready to step in

Sink

  • Don’t leave water running while washing your face, shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • An electric razor uses less energy than it takes to heat up the water for razor shaving.