28 Ways to Reduce Water Waste

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Bathroom use accounts for seventy-three percent of all water used in the home. Small changes can equal big savings.

1. Check toilets for leaks. Drop food coloring or a leak-detection tablet in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl, there is a leak that requires immediate attention.
2. Flush only when necessary. Every time you flush you use about six gallons of water. Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
3. Reduce the water level per flush by installing a water displacement device in the toilet. A plastic bottle, weighted with water or sand, works well. Never use a brick.
4. Take shorter showers. Turn off the water flow when lathering up, and then turn it back on to rinse.
5. Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors, which are available at local hardware stores and other retail outlets.
6. Take baths. Only the shortest shower saves more water than a partially filled tub. Consider bathing small children together.
7. Turn off the water after wetting your toothbrush. Use a glass of water to rinse. Avoid letting the faucet run.
8. Rinse your razor in a sink of water. Letting the water run uses about three gallons per minute. Kitchen & Laundry
9. Check faucets and pipes for leaks. A small drip from a worn washer can waste 20 or more gallons a day. Larger leaks waste even more.
10. Turn the dishwasher on only when full.
11. Use both sides of the sink when washing dishes by hand; one to wash, one to rinse. Avoid washing dishes under running water.
12. Wash your dishes only once a day.
13. Clean vegetables in a pan of water, not under a running faucet. The water collected can be used for your household plants.
14. Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator. Now there is no need to run the tap to get a glass of cool water.
15. Pre-rinse clothes only when absolutely necessary.
16. Use the proper water level or load size selection on the washing machine Lawn & Garden The amount of water used outdoors can vary greatly. Water consumption can be as much as 500-100 gallons per day during the summer months. Be water wise.
17. Water only when needed. Frequency depends on the type of plants and soil conditions.
18. Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb.
19. Water root areas of your plants to establish hardiness. Shallow roots are less likely to withstand drought condition.
20. Install a trickle or drip irrigation system for a slow, steady supply of water to the plant roots. This method can save up to 60% over other watering techniques.
21. Consider water requirements when purchasing new plants.
22. Water the lawn in the evening when evaporation is less likely to occur. Avoid watering during the heat of the day or when windy.
23. Use native plants when landscaping your lawn. Generally, native plants require less care and water than ornamental varieties.
24. Place a layer of mulch around plants and trees to avoid excessive evaporation. Other
25. Prevent water runoff from your sprinkler system. Watering the sidewalk, gutter, or street wastes water.
26. Use a broom, not a hose, when cleaning driveways and walkways.
27. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle to wash the car. 28.Locate the master water supply valve and label it. The master supply valve can be easily turned off in case of a major leak or broken pipe.