Using water efficiently is easy with these helpful tips. With a few simple adjustments, you can reduce your bi-monthly water bill, save energy and help our state’s water supply situation.

Kitchen

• Run the dishwasher only when full and save up to 15 gallons a load
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap and save 3 gallons or more each day
• If you drop ice cubes place them in a potted plant instead of in the sink
• Collect the water you use to rinse fruits and vegetables and use it to water your plants
• Thaw frozen food items in the refrigerator instead of using the tap and save 50 to 150 gallons of water a month
• Reuse drinking glasses and cups throughout the day to lower the amount of dishes you wash
• Install low-flow fixtures

Laundry Room

• Only wash full loads of laundry and save 25-100 gallons a week
• Update outdated washing machines to new energy and water efficient models and save 20 gallons a load
• Consider installing a greywater line to help reduce outdoor water use

Bathroom

• Install low-flow fixtures in your sink and shower and save 500 gallons of water a week
• Reduce your shower time to 5 minutes and save 3-7 gallons a minute
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving and save 4-10 gallons a day
• Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket and save 400 to 600 gallons a month
• While waiting for shower water to heat up, collect running water to use for outdoor plants
• Only fill the bathtub up halfway and save 25 gallons per use
• Update older toilets with new low-flow models and save 14,000 gallons of water a year
• Repair leaking pipes and fixtures and save 140 gallons a week

General Indoor

• Monitor your water bill for spikes in your water use, this will help with leak detection
• Repair leaks in both indoor and outdoor pipes and faucets

Facts and figures courtesy of: University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Fauquier County, City of Medford, Benton City, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Washington County, Citrus County, Environmental Protection Agency, Arizona Water – Use It Wisely coalition.