Saving Water Indoors

• Never put water down the drain when there is another use for it such as watering plants or cleaning. Use buckets or pots to capture warm-up water from the shower, sink or bath.
• Verify that your home is leak free. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when water is not being used. If the meter does not read the same, there is a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets. This can save up to 20 gallons a day per leak. Insulate your water pipes. You will get hot water more quickly and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Fully load the dishwasher and washing machines. If you wash small loads, be sure to adjust the setting accordingly.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with soapy water. Then quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet or fill the second sink with rinse water.
• Rinse vegetables in a filled sink or pan instead of under running water. Do not use running water to defrost frozen foods. Use the microwave or leave food in the refrigerator overnight.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of waiting for tap water to cool.
• Use the garbage disposal less. Disposals require a lot of water to operate properly.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Use a glass of water for rinsing. This can save several gallons of water each day.
• When shaving, fill the bottom of the sink with water for use when rinsing.
• Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.
• Take shorter showers or only fill the bathtub 1/3 of the way full.
• When adjusting water temperatures, turn the water flow down instead of up.
• Flush the toilet less often. Throw tissues and other waste in the trash.
• Check your toilet for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, there is a leak.
• Replace or repair your toilet handle if it sticks. This will prevent the water from reducing toilet efficency.
• Install an ultra-low-flush toilet. This can cut the amount of water that goes down the drain about 50% of each flush.