Indoor Conservation

You'll find that you can save hundreds of gallons of water inside your home each year when you become waterSmart!

More water is used to flush the toilet than for any other purpose in the home!

Never use your toilet as a wastebasket!
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, 1.28 gallons-per-flush High Efficiency toilet will lower the cost of water and sewer bills significantly.
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 don't have a water-efficient toilet, gently submerge an empty 2 liter bottle or container into your toilet tank allowing it to fill up with water to weigh it down. By leaving this container in the tank away from moving parts, you will save two liters of water every time you flush.

Wait until you have a full load of laundry before running the machine to save both water and energy.

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!

Dripping showerheads can waste hundreds of gallons of water a week, depending on the size of the drip.

Take short shower instead of baths to use less water. Reducing your shower time by just one minute can save two to six gallons of water.
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.

Washing the dishes accounts for most of the water usage in the kitchen.

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.
If you need to hand-wash dishes, do not leave the tap running while you scrub.

Bathroom faucets use two to seven gallons of water per minute.

Always turn off the water while brushing your teeth and washing your hands.
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!

Pour unwanted drinking water from your cup or bottle onto a house plant instead of down a drain.
Water used to boil and steam vegetables can be used to water house plants once it has cooled

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!