Home Basics - Water Conservation

Of all the Earth's water, 97% is salt water. Another 2% is frozen in ice caps and glaciers and that just leaves 1% for all of our needs - agriculture, manufacturing, and personal.

Water is an increasingly scarce commodity, so reducing your water use can make a real difference.

Around The Home

Check for leaks and repair dripping faucets or leaky toilets. One drip per second wastes 1 gallon of water per day.

Run your washing machine on full loads only, as a full load uses less water than two half-loads.

When buying a new washing machine, get a water-efficient one to cut your water consumption.
Read more about washing machines & laundry and how to save water and energy.

In The Kitchen

Only run the dishwasher when they are fully loaded to save water and energy.

When washing dishes by hand, use two basins - one for washing and one for rinsing rather than let the water run.

In The Bathroom

Put a water-saving device in your cistern. To make your own, fill a bottle with water, replace the cap and float it in the cistern. This displaces some of the water and reduces the quantity used in each flush. Or cut a plastic bottle in half, half-fill with pebbles or marbles to weigh it down and place in the cistern.

Install a dual-flush system (with a half flush for liquid waste, and full flush for solid waste).

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth. Running water for 1 minute uses up to 2-3 gallons).

Take showers rather than baths as they use less water. Keep your showers under 5 minutes.

In The Garden/Outside

Don't over water your lawn. Only water every three to five days in the summer and 10 to 14 days in the winter.

To prevent water loss from evaporation, don't water your lawn during the hottest part of the day or when it is windy.

Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.

If you have a swimming pool, get a cover. You'll cut the loss of water by evaporation by 90 percent.

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