There are many opportunities to save water indoors, whether it's in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room. The smallest adjustments can save you a good deal of water...and money!
In the Bathroom
Install a low-flow showerhead that limits the flow from the shower to less than three gallons per minute.
Take shorter showers and install a cutoff valve, or turn the water off while washing and back on again only to rinse.
Take a shower instead of taking a bath. If a shower is not available, reduce the level of the water being used in a bathtub by one or two inches if a shower is not available.
Test toilets for leaks. Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the water in the tank, but do not flush the toilet. Watch to see if the coloring appears in the bowl within a few minutes. If it does, the toilet has a silent leak that needs to be repaired.
Turn the faucet off while shaving or brushing teeth.
Replace older toilets with newer more water efficient models, or consider using a toilet water displacement device.
Do not use your toilet as a trash can.
In the Kitchen
Install faucet aerators to reduce water consumption
Scrape the dishes clean instead of rinsing them before washing. There is no need to rinse unless they are heavily soiled.
Use a pan of water (or place a stopper in the sink) for washing and rinsing pots, pans, dishes and cooking implements, rather than turning on the water faucet each time a rinse is needed.
Never run the dishwasher without a full load. This practice will save water, energy, detergent and money.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly or compost your organic waste.
Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running water from the tap until it is cool is wasteful.
Use a small pan of cold water when cleaning vegetables or produce, rather than letting the water run over them.
In the Laundry
Wash only a full load when using an automatic washing machine (normally 32 to 59 gallons are required per load).
Whenever possible, use the lowest water-level setting on the washing machine for light or partial loads.
Use cold water as often as possible to save energy and to conserve the hot water for uses that cold water cannot serve. (This is also better for clothing made of today’s synthetic fabrics.)
Replace older units with newer, high efficient, water-saving models.
Tips to consider before purchasing a new device or fixture: