Water Conservation

Indoor Conservation
Outdoor Conservation
More Information

Indoor Water Conservation

Check for and repair leaks

Check all water lines and faucets (including outdoor) for leaks. One way is to turn off all water in your house and read your meter. Come back in 15 minutes. If the dial has moved, you have a leak.

Check for toilet leaks

Once a year, check for toilet leaks. Remove the toilet tank cover and drip 10 drops of food coloring into the tank. After 15 minutes, check for color in the toilet bowl. If you see any color, your toilet has a leak. And remember to check your flapper periodically to make sure it's a tight fit.

Install water saving shower heads

Low-flow showerheads deliver 2.5 gallons of water or less per minute and are relatively inexpensive. Older showerheads use 5 to 7 gallons per minute.

Try a navy shower

Due to a lack of fresh water aboard ship, sailors were taught to get wet, turn off the water, soap and scrub, then briefly turn the water on to rinse -- a good routine for all of us.

Take shorter showers or take a bath

Simply taking shorter showers will save gallons of water. For long exposures to the water, a partially filled bath instead of a shower will use less water.

Install a 1.6 gallon low-flow toilet

Ultra-low flow toilets use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Using these could cut indoor water use by as much as 20%. Older toilets use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush.

Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket

Using a wastebasket instead of the toilet for tissues and other bits of trash will save gallons of water that are otherwise wasted.

Install high-efficiency, low-flow faucet aerators

Older faucets use between 3 and 7 gallons per minute. Low-flow faucet aerators use no more than 1.5 gallons of water per minute. The aerators can be attached to most existing faucets.

Insulate pipes

You will waste less water waiting for the hot water to get to the faucet.

Turn off the water while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.

Don't let the water run when you brush your teeth, wash your face or hands, or shave.

Fill your dishwasher

Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it is full or just partially full of dishes, so be sure to fill it. Many dishwashers have a water saver cycle to save even more water.

Chill drinking water in your refrigerator

Don't let the faucet run until the water cools down. Instead, keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator.

Use a tub or stopper for dishwashing

Don't leave the water running to wash or rinse dishes. Presoak pots and pans and use minimal detergent so you don't have to rinse as long.

Defrost food in the refrigerator

When defrosting food, plan ahead to thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave oven instead of under running water.

Select proper water level for laundry

Unlike your dishwasher, you can control the amount of water used by your clothes washers. Select the proper water level for each load of laundry. If buying a new washer, get one that uses the least water per pound of wash. A front load washing machine uses 1/3 less water than a top loading machine.

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Outdoor Water Conservation

Collect rainwater in a rain barrel or cistern

Water that runs off of hard surfaces such as your roof can be collected and reused to water plants.

Use a soil probe to test soil moisture

Water only when a soil probe shows dry soil or a screwdriver is difficult to push into the soil.

Water the lawn only when needed

Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it does not need water.

Water less frequently and thoroughly

A good soaking is better than watering frequently and will allow the roots to grow to greater depths and help make turf more drought tolerant. Lawns need about 1 inch per week.
Hint: Place 3-5 empty tuna or cat food cans at varied distances from the sprinkler. The time it takes to fill the cans is about how long you should water your lawn.

Don't water the pavement

Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn or garden, not in areas where it is not needed.

Water without waste

Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff occur. This allows the water to penetrate into the soil before resuming irrigation.

Don't water in the heat of the day

Watering in the morning or early evening when it's cooler and calmer will reduce the amount lost to evaporation.

Group plants that need similar water and sunlight

If similar plants are grown together, you won't have to over water or underwater to accommodate different water needs.

Use mulch

Mulching helps to retain moisture as well as control weeds that can compete with plants for water.

Plant native plants

Native plants are tolerant to variations in local climate and generally need little watering, and no fertilizer, pesticides or mowing.

Limit your turf area to only what your family needs

Kentucky bluegrass requires a lot of water. Only maintain a lawn where it is going to be used. Instead, landscape with native plants.

Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs

Drip systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, encouraging strong root systems. These systems will also cut down evaporation.

Install moisture sensors on automatic sprinkler systems

Automatic irrigation systems that water on a regular basis will waste water by watering when the plants don't need it.

Keep lawn free of weeds

Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients. Spot spray or remove weeds as they appear.

Mow as infrequently as possible

Mowing puts the grass under additional stress that requires more water.

Mow higher than normal

Longer leaf surfaces, 3 inches or more, promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone. Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in one mowing. Return mulched clippings to the lawn.

Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk

Sweeping the driveway and sidewalk instead of hosing them off will get them clean enough without wasting gallons of water.

Don't let the water run while washing the car

Park the car on the lawn, get the car wet, then turn off the water while you soap the car down using a bucket of soapy water. Turn on the water again for a final rinse. Use the bucket of soapy water on the flower bed or garden. Better yet, go to a commercial car wash where water recycling is required.

Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play

Run through the sprinkler when watering the lawn.

Use shut-off nozzles on hoses

Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the water when you are not using it.