Indoor

Saving Water Inside Your Home

The waterSmart program was initiated by the Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority, the second largest provider of drinking water in Georgia, to educate residents in Cobb County about “state-of-the-science” methods for conserving water while maintaining beautiful lawns and landscapes. In 2002, waterSmart launched an indoor water conservation division to educate residents about how to reduce indoor water consumption. waterSmart worked with plumbing associations, community organizations and conservation experts to develop indoor water conservation information.

You’ll find that you can save hundreds of gallons of water inside your home each year when you become waterSmart! Please see the tips below to find ways to reduce water usage in your home.

Where is water used the most in your home? Find out which appliance and utility uses the most water and learn the tips that will help you save water and money!

• Test for a leaking toilet by adding food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl after 30 minutes, your toilet is leaking. A leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons per day.
• Installing a water-efficient, 1.6 gallons-per-flush toilet can save the average family $60 a year, lowering the cost of water and sewer bills.
• Research water-efficient toilets before you buy one from sources, including plumbers, home and hardware stores, the Internet and consumer magazines to ensure quality of purchase.
• If you experience a problem with your water-efficient toilet, be sure to have the water pressure checked!

• By running full loads in the washing machine the average family can save up to 700 gallons of water per month, reducing water bills.
• Make sure to adjust the water level for each load.
• A front-load washing machine uses 1/3 less water than a top-load machine.
• Remember to set up an appliance maintenance check-up every 3-4 years to ensure the performance efficiency of your washing machine.
• When on the market for a new washing machine, be sure to research high-efficiency models. These machines use an average of 30% less water and 50% less energy and get your clothes cleaner!

• Check your showerhead for drips or leaks and replace washers. Worn out washers are the main cause of leaks.
• According to state requirements, homeowner’s should install water-efficient showerheads.
• The typical showerhead allows a water flow of five gallons-per-minute. Installing a low-flow showerhead will reduce this flow by 50%.
• Use water-conserving plumbing fixtures and water flow constrictors on showers.

• Operate automatic dishwashers only when fully loaded to save on hot water, detergent and energy costs.
• By using the short cycle on your dishwasher instead of the full cycle, you can save 15 gallons of water per load.
• Adjust your freezer to reflect the current climate conditions in order to control ice produced by the ice maker.
• Remember when washing your dishes to limit the amount of hot water usage.
• Check to see if your dishwasher can clean dishes without pre-rinsing them. Most current model dishwashers don’t require pre-rinsing.

• Install a low-flow faucet aerator with a flow restrictor to reduce the flow by 25%.
• Remember to clean the aerator routinely to remove any obstructing particles collected in the screen.
• Fix leaks immediately: a small drip can result in up to 15 gallons of water a day or 105 gallons a week in wasted water, which adds up to more than 5,000 gallons of wasted water a year!

• Never use your toilet as a wastebasket!
• Make a goal to take shorter showers. Spending less time in the shower can save as much as three to seven gallons of water per shower.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth and save four to 10 gallons of water a day.
• Use your dishwasher and washing machine for full loads only!

• Start by turning off all faucets and water-using appliances in your home. (Remember to include your ice maker!)
• Take a reading on your water meter.
• After two hours, take a second reading. If the dial has moved, you have a leak!