Ways to Save

Ways to Save Hundreds of Gallons of Water Every Week

Here are some simple ways to help save water. Whatever your conservation goal is, the more of these steps you take, the more water you'll save. And the more water you save, the more money you'll save on your water bill. Also visit Think H2O Now website for more way to save.

In the Bathroom

1. While waiting for hot water to come through the pipes, catch the cool, clean water in a bucket or a watering can. You can use it later to water plants, run your garbage disposer, or pour into the toilet bowl to flush. Replace your regular shower heads with low-flow shower heads.
2. Keep your showers down to five minutes or less using a low-flow shower head.
3. Turn the water off while lathering-up in the shower. Then turn the water back on to quickly rinse.
4. Take shallow baths.
5. Replace your older model toilets with new ultra-low-flush models.
6. Check your toilets for leaks. Drop a dye tablet or a teaspoon of food coloring (avoid red) in the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 15 minutes, you probably need to replace the "flapper" valve.
7. Flush the toilet only when necessary. Never use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.
8. Never let the water run while brushing your teeth or shaving.

In the Kitchen

1. Use a dishwasher whenever possible. An automatic dishwasher uses 9 to 12 gallons of water while hand washing dishes can use up to 20 gallons.
2. If you have a dishwasher, run it only when you have a full load.
3. Scrape food scraps off dishes in the garbage can.
4. Never use hot, running water to defrost frozen foods. Plan ahead and place frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave oven.
5. Rinse vegetables and fruits in a pan filled with water instead of under running water. When done, use the water to irrigate plants.

Around the House

1. Repair all leaky faucets, fixtures and pipes both inside and outside your home.
2. When doing the laundry, never wash less than a full load.
3. Collect washing machine rinse water in utility sink. You can use it later to water indoor plants, run your garbage disposer, or pour into the toilet bowl to flush.
4. Set lawn mower blades one notch higher since longer grass reduces evaporation. Leave grass clippings on your grass; this cools the ground and holds in moisture.
5. A great way to conserve water and help plants stay healthy is to spread at least 4" of mulch around shrubs, trees, and flower gardens.
6. Never hose down your patio or balcony – use a broom or blower.
7. Don't allow children to play with the hose.
8. If you have a pool, use a cover to cut down evaporation. This will also keep your pool cleaner and reduce the need to add chemicals.
9. Take your car to a car wash that recycles its wash water. For car washing at home, use a bucket of water and sponge to wash your car. Rinse quickly at the end. Always use hand-controlled watering devices, such as spring-loaded shutoff nozzles.
10. Water your lawn and landscaping early in the morning or after the sun sets when there's less evaporation. Adjust your sprinklers so they don't spray on sidewalks, driveway or street.