Tips for Conserving Water

• Repair all leaky faucets, especially hot water faucets, as quickly as possible. You'll save water and energy, too.
• Install a flow restrictor in your shower. It's easy to install and saves water by restricting the flow to four gallons per minute - which is adequate for showering. Remember that using more hot water than you really need wastes both water and electricity or gas.
• Be sure your dishwasher is full but not overloaded when you turn it on. An average dishwasher uses 14-16 gallons of hot water per load.
• Don't let the water run while you shave. Turn on the spigot only as needed. This will save from four to five gallons per day.
• Use your washing machine only when you have a full load. Half loads double your water bill.
• Do not let the water run while you brush your teeth. This may waste up to 10 gallons per water per day per family.
• Check your toilets. Does the tank overfill and waste water through the overflow pipe? Check the seating valve on the bottom of the flush tank: is it seating completely to avoid wasting?
• A good test for spills in the toilet system is to put a little bluing into the flush tank; if it shows up in the bowl (without flushing), water is being wasted.
• Limit showers to five minutes, or use only five inches of water in the tub. Install new shower heads that conserve water.
• Wash your car from a bucket, using the hose to wet the car beforehand - or to rinse.
• Water the lawn or garden in the early morning or late evening, not in the heat of midday.
• Sweep walks and driveways instead of hosing them off.
• Don't leave water running to scrape dishes or clean vegetables.
• Keep a jug of water in the refrigerator.