Indoor Water Conservation Tips

Toilet

Flush only when necessary. Don't use your toilet as a garbage disposal and/or trash can. Consider installing a low - flow toilet (required for replacements and new installations).

Install a water - saving displacement device. For older toilets, buy or make a device that won't harm your plumbing such as a toilet dam or weighted plastic jug full of water. Be sure that installation does not interfere with operating parts. DO NOT use a brick -- it may disintegrate and cause problems.

Test for toilet leaks by adding food coloring to the water tank. Don't flush for 15 minutes. If there is color in the bowl after 15 minutes, you may have a leak.

Sinks

Fill bowl with water instead of letting water run when you wash, brush teeth or shave.

Repair leaks, attend to drips promptly.

Install water saving devices. Try a faucet aerator to reduce amount of water used.

Take shallow baths and plug the drain before you run water. Keep showers short with pressure at low force. Re - use bath water to water your lawn or shrubs or for heavy cleaning jobs like floors or cars.

Install water - saving devices. Use a low - flow shower head, flow restrictor or cut off valve (lets you shut off water at shower head while soaping up and shampooing without changing the faucet setting)

The Kitchen is an excellent place for conservation. Be especially conscious of running water and use it sparingly.

Dishwasher

Economize. Do only full loads. Avoid using extra cycles. Choose a water - saving model.

Repair leaks. Inspect all connections to make sure they are tight and dry.

Hand Washing Dishes

Scrape dishes, but don't pre - rinse. Soak pots and pans before washing. Instead of running water continuously, full wash and rinse basins with water. Use minimum amount of detergent.

Garbage Disposal

Use sink disposal unit sparingly, (but never use without running water) or use a garbage can or compost heap instead.

Food Preparation

Use a brush and bowl full of water to wash vegetables. Thaw frozen food in your refrigerator, not under running water. Cook vegetables with a minimum amount of water and save cooking water for soup stock.

Drinking Water

Instead of cooling water by running, keep a container of cold water in the refrigerator. Make only the amount of coffee, tea, etc. You expect to consume.

More than 10% of all water used at home is used in the washing machine, so even small investments of time and money can pay off in the log run.

Use the load selector to match water level to size of load. (If there is no selector then only do full loads.) Presoak heavily soiled items. Always use the minimum amount of detergent.

Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. Repair or replace when necessary. Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks or leaking joints.

If buying a new washer, purchase one with conservation features. Choose a washer with load size selector or variable water level control.