Water Conservation Tips for Residents

For Every Room in the House with Plumbing

Repair all water leaks immediately and be especially alert for leaks in toilets and faucets.
Consider replacing old equipment (like toilets, dishwashers and laundry machines).
Install and maintain flow restrictors (aerators) on faucets.
While waiting for running water to warm or cool for use on plants or in cleaning, capture flow for other uses.

In the Kitchen

When cooking, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water.
Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes.
Only run the dishwasher when it's full.
When buying a dishwasher, select one with a "light-wash" option.
Only use the garbage disposal when necessary. Buy a drain screen and empty food waste in garbage.
Install faucet aerators. Composting is a great alternative also.
Scrape food from dishes without water prior to rinsing.
Operate the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
Rather than running the tap for cool drinking water, keep a filled container in the refrigerator

In the Bathroom

Take short showers (5 minutes) instead of baths. Or consider turning off shower while soaping and/or washing hair
Turn off the water to brush teeth, shave and soap up in the shower. Fill the sink to shave.
Repair leaky toilets. Add 12 drops of food coloring into the tank, and if color appears in the bowl one hour later, your toilet is leaking.
Install a toilet dam, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads.
Do not use toilets as wastebaskets or ashtrays.
Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth.

Laundry

Run full loads of laundry. Set water level to match clothes amount.
When purchasing a new washing machine, buy a water saving model that can be adjusted to the load size.

Information compiled from: