Water Conservation Basics

Water is an incredibly valuable world resource, and becoming more scarce all the time. It is important to conserve as much of it as we possibly can. Here are some simple, but effective, things you can do around your home to be a community- and environment-conscious water conservationist.

Know Your Limitations

If you live in an area where drought conditions are of concern, chances are your community has water regulations. Get to know them. Make the phone calls to city organizations or check websites for information—and then pass it on.

  • Call or check with your city water organization local regulation information
  • Check your local newspaper
  • Find out if your city has grey water usage policies
  • Inform house members, friends, and neighbors of what you find out

Leaks are for Government Officials

Stopping household leaks goes a long way towards conservation. Check the following items for potential leakage problems.

  • Bathtub
  • All faucets
  • Toilet
  • Garden hoses
  • Pool or spa
  • Irrigation systems, such as sprinklers and soaker hoses

Bathroom Tips

Here are some things you can do to cut down on your water usage in the bathroom. Small adjustments in shower habits or toilet flush volumes add up to make a big difference.

  • Cut down on showering time
  • Install low-flow shower heads
  • Avoid taking baths—take showers instead
  • Turn off the faucet when brushing teeth or shaving
  • Consider placing a water-filled plastic bottle in toilet tank
  • Lower your toilet’s float level slightly

In the Kitchen

The kitchen is another area of your home where water is often used and wasted. Here are some tips to minimize waste.

  • Refrigerate a water pitcher to avoid waiting for cold water to reach the tap
  • Use as little water as possible while cooking
  • Try using a pressure cooker—it cooks faster and requires less water
  • Try not to use larger pans than necessary
  • Cook one-dish meals—great for leftovers, as well as saving water

Washing Up

Laundry and dishwashers use a lot of water. Keep these tips in mind when you are preparing to use them.

  • Wait to wash clothes and dishes until you have a full load
  • Consider purchasing a high-efficiency washing machine
  • Scrape dishes before rinsing and putting them in the dishwasher
  • Try to use fewer dishes while cooking
  • Use a washing tub if you wash dishes by hand—don’t fill the entire sink

Outside the Home

Here are some basics to help you cut down on water usage outside your home.

  • Water your lawn early in the day
  • Check your sprinklers to avoid watering pavement or other unnecessary areas
  • Adjust automatic sprinkler settings
  • Read your water meter—if the meter is running when no water is running, you may have a leak

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