by Roma Lightsey

Created on: November 22, 2011   Last Updated: November 23, 2011

Conserving water not only saves you money, it helps save a precious natural resource as well. Changing a few habits can make a big difference in how much water you use and minimize waste.

In the kitchen

If you wash dishes by hand, don’t rinse under running water. Instead, fill one sink with soap for washing and the other sink with rinse water. If you have a refrigerator, ice maker or air conditioner that is cooled by water, consider upgrading to an air-cooled one when you replace it. Rinse fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of under the faucet, and reuse that water to water plants. Resist the urge to rinse dishes before placing in the dishwasher. That is not needed with today’s improved dishwashing detergents. Be sure to run full loads. 

In the bathroom

Place a bucket in the shower to catch water while it’s warming up. Avoiding extra-long showers can save up to five to ten gallons of water per minute. If you don’t have a low-flow showerhead, you can install one inexpensively using basic plumbing skills. Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket. Flushing that tissue or cigarette butt can waste five to seven gallons of water. Consider replacing old toilets with low flush toilets, which use only one or two gallons per flush compared to three to five gallons for older models.  

Repair leaky faucets as soon as possible. Small leaks can waste twenty gallons of water a day, and a big leak can waste hundreds of gallons. Don’t leave water running while you brush your teeth. This move alone can save you 25 gallons a month.  

Outside

Instead of using the hose to clean off patios and porches, sweep instead. You’ll reap the bonus of a little bit of exercise. To find out whether or not your lawn needs watering, use an inexpensive rain gauge. Avoid watering lawns and gardens during the heat of the day, as much of it will simply evaporate. When installing hardscape, consider less grass and more areas with paved pathways, more tree and shrubbery plantings. Aerate your lawn once a year so that water can penetrate the roots. You may want to purchase a rain gauge to see how much rain you’ve had afterwards. If washing a car, wash it in or near the grass instead of a driveway, so that you can redirect the used water. 

In the laundry room 

Wash full loads using cold water to minimize water waste. Cold water also preserves your clothes’ color. If you need to replace your washer, look at the energy-efficient front-load washers. They use less water than a conventional top-load model. If a front-load model is out of your budget, be sure your choice is an Energy Star model. 

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