Water Facts

50 Ways to Conserve Water

1. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
2. Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.
3. Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
4. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
5. Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
6. Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
7. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
8. Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
9. Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold drinks, so that every drop goes down you not the drain.
10. Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
    
    
    
11. Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
12. Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
13. Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
14. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.
15. If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.
16. Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
17. Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce run-off and allow for better absorption every time you water.
18. We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and houses for leaks.
19. Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1000 gallons a month.
20. Install low-volume toilets.
    
    
    
21. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
22. When you clean your fish tank, use the water you’ve drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
23. Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
24. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It’s easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
25. Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
26. Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful run-off.
27. Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.
28. Designate one glass for your drinking water each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run your dishwasher.
29. Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.
30. Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
    
    
    
31. Don’t use running water to thaw food.
32. Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective, be careful not to over water.
33. Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
34. Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
35. When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
36. Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
37. Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
38. Before you lather up, install a low-flow showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
39. Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
40. Don’t water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don’t need water.
    
    
    
41. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes.
42. Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
43. When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff.
44. Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.
45. Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
46. While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
47. Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.
48. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
49. To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
50. Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.