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.