-
If your toilet was
installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each
flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
-
Setting cooling
systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves
both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
-
Washing dark
clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps
your clothes to keep their colors.
-
Leave lower
branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on
the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
-
Report broken
pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or
your water provider.
-
Let your lawn go
dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered
every three weeks or less if it rains.
-
Plant with
finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic
matter to the soil.
-
Use sprinklers
that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water
drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
-
Listen for
dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300
gallons a month or more.
-
Water only when
necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from
under-watering.
-
One more way to
get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over
from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious
soup.
-
Turn off the water
while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
-
Wash your pets
outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
-
When shopping for
a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star
models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy
too.
-
Apply water only
as fast as the soil can absorb it.
-
Aerate your lawn
at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run
off the surface.
-
When washing
dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse
when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
-
Catch water in an
empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one
square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
-
Turn off the water
while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
-
When you give your
pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to
water your trees or shrubs.
-
If you
accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the
freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant
instead.
-
To save water and
time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the
shower.
-
While staying in a
hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
-
When backflushing
your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
-
For hanging
baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt
to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water
overflow.
-
Throw trimmings
and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to
prevent using the garbage disposal.
-
When you have ice
left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the
trash, dump it on a plant.
-
Have your plumber
re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it
run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't
allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
-
Keep a bucket in
the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to
flush toilets or water plants.
-
When you are
washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
-
Look for products
bearing the EPA WaterSense Label for items that been certified to
save 20% or more without sacrificing performance.
