Conserve Indoor Water Use

Replace old toilets and check for toilet tank leaks.

Toilets account for almost 30% of all indoor water use, more than any other fixture or appliance. More than 4.8 billion gallons of water are flushed down toilets each day in the United States. Older toilets (installed prior to 1994) use 3.5 to 7 gallons (13-27 liters) of water per flush, as much as 20 gallons (76 liters) per person per day. To check for leaks, add food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure the size of the bottle does not interfere with the operating parts.

Wait for a full load to use a washing machine or dishwasher.

The second largest water user in our homes is the clothes washer. Look for an Energy Star rated washer that has a water factor of 9.5 or lower. They use 35-50% less water and 50% less energy per load. This can save money on both water and energy bills. An automatic dishwasher uses approximately 9 to 12 gallons of water per load. If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of under running water which can use up to 20 gallons.

Take a quick shower rather than a bath.

Bathing is the third highest use of indoor water and because most of us like to use warm water when we bathe, it's also the second highest use of energy in the home. Taking a quick shower rather than a bath saves an average of 20 gallons (76 liters) of water per washing.

Use low-flow fixtures.

Here's a test... place a one gallon bucket under the shower head and if it takes less than 20 seconds to fill, replace the existing shower head. Inexpensive low-flow aerators are simple to install on your shower head, kitchen and bathroom faucets.

Stop Those Leaks!

Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. If every household in America had a faucet that dripped once each second, 928 gallons of water a day would leak away. Repair dripping faucets, leaky toilets and other appliances that might be wasting water.

Other things you can do

Clean vegetables in a sink or pan partially filled with water rather than running water from the tap.

Whenever possible, compost food scraps which replenishes the soil or dispose of them in the garbage instead of using the garbage disposal which requires a high level of water for operation.

Turning off the water when we brush our teeth or shaving can save more than 5 gallons (19 liters) per day.

Our everyday actions can make a huge difference to the planet... let's start now.