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- Indoor Conservation Tips
Indoor Conservation Tips
All Around the House
- Have pipes and faucets checked for leaks.
- Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
- Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
- Make sure there are aerators on all of your faucets.
- Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
- Perform an annual maintenance check on your evaporative (swamp) cooler and fix any leaks.
- Locate your master water shut-off valve so that water can be saved if a pipe bursts.
- When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
- Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
In the Bathroom
- Install low-flow toilets.
- Regularly check toilets for leaks.
- Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.
- Take shorter showers.
- Install water-saving shower heads.
- Turn off the water after wetting your toothbrush.
- Rinse your razor in a partially-filled sink.
- Make sure your toilet flapper doesn't stick open after flushing.
- Plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
- Consider bathing young children together.
- 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.
- 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.
In the Kitchen
- If you wash dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsing.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly, compost instead.
- For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
- Wash your produce in the sink or a pan that is partially filled instead of running water.
- If you need to run the tap, collect the water and reuse it to water plants.
- When you clean your fish tank, use the water you've drained on your plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a free and effective fertilizer.
- Designate one glass for your drinking water each day to cut down running your dishwasher.
- Don't use running water to thaw food.
- Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
- Install an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run to heat up.
- Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt by running the minimum number of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness.
- Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the nutrients.
- Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.
- If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in your watering can.