Practical, easy to implement Ideas

1. Check Your Toilet for Leaks:

    • An internal leak from your toilet tank to the bowl could waste up to 200 gallons a day (that’s 6000 gallons a month!). To test for leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If the water color in the bowl changes, your toilet likely needs a new fill mechanism or a replacement rubber flapper.

2. Use Your Dishwasher Efficiently:

    • Instead of hand-washing dishes, use a dishwasher. An ENERGY STAR-rated dishwasher uses as little as 3 gallons per load compared to the 27 gallons used when washing by hand.
    • Scrape off food scraps before loading the dishwasher to save even more water.

3. Regular Leak Hunts:

    • Conduct regular leak checks throughout your home (both inside and outside). Look for leaky faucets, showerheads, sprinklers, and hoses. A 1/16th inch opening in a faucet could waste 100 gallons a day (3000 gallons a month)!
    • Fix leaks promptly; many faucets can be repaired by replacing worn-out washers.

4. Upgrade Your Garden Hose:

    • Add an automatic shut-off nozzle to your garden hose. Without a nozzle, you could waste up to 5 gallons per minute.

5. Choose Native Plants:

    • Native plants adapted to your region’s rainfall require less watering. Use them in your lawn and garden to reduce water usage.

6. Install Low-Flow, High-Pressure Shower Heads:

    • Standard shower heads release 2.5 gallons per minute. Opt for a low-flow shower head (1.25 gallons per minute) to save up to 1500 gallons per month.
    • You won’t sacrifice water pressure with the right choice.

7. Irrigation Tips:Picture of a water spraying into the wind from a sprinkler

    • Check for leaks in your irrigation system when first turning it on for the summer and periodically throughout each month.
    • Adjust sprinkler heads to avoid watering sidewalks or streets.
    • Use the cycle and soak method for efficient lawn watering.
    • Turn off irrigation during rainy or windy days.
    • For more detailed information on irrigation tips, please visit our Lawn Maintenance page.

8. Other Quick Tips:

    • Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
    • Wait for a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher.
    • Avoid using the toilet as a wastebasket.
    • Take shorter showers (consider using a timer).
    • Thaw frozen foods in the fridge instead of using water.
    • Use a broom or blower to clean driveways and sidewalks instead of spraying with a hose.