Water Conservation Tips

General

• Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, etc.) to property owners or local authorities.
• Try to do one thing each day that will result in a savings of water.

Around the House

• Be aware of and follow all water conservation and restrictions.
• Check all faucets in your home for leaks. A slow drip can waste as much as 15-20 gallons a day. A simple repair can save nearly 6,000 gallons of water a year.
• Insulate hot water pipes and the water heater. Insulation will reduce the time it takes for hot water to reach the tap ultimately reducing water waste while waiting for it to heat up.
• Never pour water down the drain that can be used to water plants.

In the Kitchen

• Run the dishwater and washing machine only when there is a full load to make best use of water, energy and detergent. A full dishwasher is more water efficient than washing the same load by hand—and by some calculations uses 50% less water per dish than washing by hand.
• Use the "light wash" feature if available to use less water.
• Reduce the amount of rinsing you do before loading the dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers do an excellent job cleaning dishes and pots and pans without extensive rinsing.
• Purchase high efficiency appliances when replacing dishwashers and washing machines.
• Do not run the water at a stronger rate or for a longer period of time than necessary when washing dishes by hand.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for cool drinking water, rather than running the faucet until the water turns cool each time you want a drink.
• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost food wastes instead.
• Use a pan of water rather than running water to clean vegetables. This water can be used to water houseplants.
• Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, or by using the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.

Laundry

• Operate automatic clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or set the water level for the size of your load.

In the Bathroom

• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving and save more than 5 gallons of water a day.
• Take a quick shower rather than a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Don't shower too long or fill the tub too full. Limit showers to five minutes and the amount of water to five inches. Try a "Navy" shower; get wet, turn off the water, soap and scrub, then turn the water on to rinse.
• Check your toilet for leaks by placing a few drops of food coloring in the tank. If after 15 minutes the dye shows up in the bowl, the toilet has a leak. Leaking toilets can be repaired by replacing the flapper.
• Replace old toilets (installed prior to 1994) with more efficient low flow models to potentially save 7,900 to 21,700 gallons per year.
• Reduce the amount of water used by an older toilet by placing a one gallon plastic jug of water, or two one quart bottles, in the tank to displace toilet flows to save over 1,000 gallons of water per person per year.
• Avoid unnecessary flushing. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
• If the toilet flush handle frequently sticks in the flush position, letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.
• Don't let the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.

Water savings tips from the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.