Residents can save hundreds of gallons of water every week by following these water-saving tips.
Bathroom
- DO take shorter showers & save 3-5 gallons every minute.
- DO fill the tub halfway & save 10-15 gallons.
- DO install water-saving toilets, shower heads & faucet aerators. Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you can’t switch to a low flow toilet.
- DON’T run the water while shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2-3 gallons/minute.
- DON’T use the toilet as a wastebasket & DON’T flush it unnecessarily.
Everywhere
- DO check your water meter or bill to see how much water you are using. A good rule of thumb is 50-60 gallons/day/person.
- DO repair leaky faucets & turn taps off tightly. Slow drips waste 10-15 gallons/day.
Kitchen & Laundry
- DO run the dishwasher & washing machine only when full. Save even more water by using the short cycle.
- DO install front-loading washing machines, which reduce water usage by about 40%.
- DON’T let the water run while washing dishes.
Outdoor
- DO use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.
- DO position your downspouts so rain water runs onto the lawn or into the garden, not down the driveway.
- DO plant drought-resistant trees/flowers and use mulch to keep the soil moist.
- DON’T water lawns during the heat of the day.
- DON’T use water to clean sidewalks and driveways — sweep them instead.
