Water Saving

Water Saving Tips

When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
Evaporative coolers require seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.
If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
We're more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.
Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.
Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You'll save up to 1000 gallons a month.
Install hybrid toilets.
Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It's easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, and then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.
Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
Before you lather up, install a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.
Make sure your toilet flapper doesn't stick open after flushing.
Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets.
Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will also reduce heating costs for your household.
Cut back on rinsing if your dishwasher is new. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.
When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
Winterize outdoor spigots when temps dip to 20 degrees F to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.
Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.
If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons.
If your toilet was installed prior to 1980, place a toilet dam or bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to cut down on the amount of water used for each flush. Be sure these devices do not interfere with operating parts.
Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum number of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness.
Pick-up the phone and report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water management district.
Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.
Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.
Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
Turn off the water while you shave and you can save more than 100 gallons a week.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.