Indoor Tips

1. #1

   There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

2. #2

   When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

3. #3

   Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand. Now, Energy Star dishwashers save even more water and energy.

4. #4

   If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

5. #5

   Designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

6. #6

   Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

7. #7

   Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.

8. #8

   Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

9. #9

   Don’t use running water to thaw food. For water efficiency and food safety, defrost food in the refrigerator.

10. #10

    Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.

11. #11

    Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

12. #12

    Reuse leftover water from cooked or steamed foods to start a nutritious soup, it’s one more way to get eight glasses of water a day.

13. #13

    Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps it retain more nutrients.

14. #14

    Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.

15. #15

    If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

16. #16

    Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.

17. #17

    When shopping for a new dishwasher, use the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website to compare water use between models.

1. #18

   When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

2. #19

   Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color.

3. #20

   When shopping for a new washing machine, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some can save up to 20 gallons of water per load.

4. #21

   Have a plumber re-route your greywater to trees and plants rather than the sewer line. Check with your city and county for codes.

5. #22

   When buying a washer, check the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website to compare water use between models.

1. #23

   If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a WaterSense® labeled model.

2. #24

   Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

3. #25

   Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.

4. #26

   Toilet leaks can be silent! Be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year.

5. #27

   Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fix it and start saving gallons.

6. #28

   When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

7. #29

   Upgrade older toilets with water-saving WaterSense® labeled models.

8. #30

   If your toilet flapper doesn’t close properly after flushing, replace it.

9. #31

   Use a WaterSense® labeled showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

10. #32

    Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

11. #33

    If your toilet was installed before 1992, purchasing a WaterSense® labeled toilet can reduce the amount of water used for each flush.

12. #34

    Consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two flush options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste.

13. #35

    Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor and save up to 300 gallons a month.

14. #36

    Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.

15. #37

    When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.

16. #38

    Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.

17. #39

    Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

18. #40

    Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them and save water every time.

19. #41

    Look for WaterSense® labeled toilets, sink faucets, urinals and showerheads.

20. #42

    One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day! Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks.

21. #43

    While you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants.

1. #44

   Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

2. #45

   Watch the Home Water Challenge video or use the Home Water Audit Calculator to see where you can save water.

3. #46

   When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most.

4. #47

   Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

5. #48

   Play fun games while learning how to save water!

6. #49

   Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

7. #50

   Learn how to use your water meter to check for leaks.

8. #51

   Reward kids for the water-saving tips they follow.

9. #53

   Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.

10. #54

    Hire a GreenPlumber® to help reduce your water, energy, and chemical use.

11. #55

    Be a leak detective! Check all hoses, connectors, and faucets regularly for leaks.

12. #56

    We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses.

13. #57

    See a leak you can’t fix? Tell a parent, teacher, employer, or property manager, or call a handyman.

14. #58

    At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

15. #59

    Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

16. #60

    Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

17. #61

    See how your water use stacks up to others by calculating your daily water use.