ROOM BY ROOM WATER SAVING TIPS
IN THE KITCHEN
Place a pitcher of water in the fridge, or warm the water in the microwave or on the stove instead of running water from the tap waiting for the temperature to change. Or use this “running-water” for watering the plants.
Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight or use the microwave to defrost instead of using running tap water.
Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load; and, if available, select the “light wash” option in order to use less water.
Scrape dirty dishes instead of rinsing them off with water. Most dishwashers clean dishes very well without pre-rinsing.
When washing dishes by hand, use sink stoppers or use two containers, on with soapy water and one with rinsing water, instead of turning the faucet on each time a rinse is needed.
Compost vegetable scraps rather than running water for the garbage disposal.
Use a pan of water to clean vegetables instead of running water from the faucet. Then, reuse this water for watering plants.
IN THE BATHROOM
Turn the water off while brushing your teeth, washing, or shaving.
Take a shower instead of a bath. A fast shower, especially with a low-flow showerhead, uses less water.
Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
Upgrade to a low-flow toilet. Only flush the toilet when necessary.
Take short showers (yes, even your teenagers). When just washing your hair, turn the water on to get wet, turn it off while soaping up, and turn it back on to rinse off.
Use the trash for tissues, wipes and insects instead of flushing them.
Check for toilet leaks twice a year.
IN THE LAUNDRY
Use the wash machine only when there is a full load. Adjust the water level based on the size of the load.
IN GENERAL
Remember, saving hot water saves energy and water.
When upgrading, choose Engergy Star certified clothes washers and dishwashers. Front-loading washers use less water and detergent than top loading machines.
Do not pour water down the drain when it could be reused for watering plants, gardens, etc.
Stop Leaks!
Your meter is normally located in your basement toward the street side of the house close to the floor. To locate a leak using your water meter:
Make sure all water fixtures are closed and no water using appliances are on.
Find the red triangle on the face of the water meter. If all the water is off and there are no leaks, the red triangle on the face of the water should remain stationary. If the red triangle is moving, then you have a leak to track down somewhere.
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