Fix Leaks Promptly

Leaks are silent water wasters that can account for more than 10,000 gallons of wasted water annually in the average home. A dripping faucet might seem minor, but it adds up quickly – a faucet dripping once per second wastes nearly 3,000 gallons per year.

How to identify leaks:

• Check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used – if it changes, you likely have a leak
• Place a drop of food coloring in your toilet tank – if color appears in the bowl without flushing, there's a leak
• Examine faucet gaskets and pipe fittings for water on the outside of the pipe

Common household leaks to address:

• Dripping faucets (often fixable by replacing an inexpensive washer)
• Running toilets (typically caused by a worn flapper valve)
• Leaking shower heads (usually resolved by tightening with pipe tape)
• Irrigation system leaks (check for wet spots or unexplained puddles)

Install Low-Flow Fixtures

Modern low-flow fixtures deliver the same performance as their water-intensive counterparts while using a fraction of the water. The technology has improved dramatically from the underwhelming low-flow products of decades past.

Key low-flow upgrades:

• Low-flow shower heads – WaterSense-labeled models use no more than 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) versus the standard 2.5 gpm, providing excellent pressure through aeration or pulse technologies
• Efficient faucet aerators – These inexpensive screw-on devices can reduce bathroom faucet flow from 2.2 gpm to 1.5 gpm or less
• High-efficiency toilets – Modern versions use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, compared to older models that might use 3-7 gallons

Many low-flow fixtures cost under $20 and can be installed in minutes without professional help. Look for products with the EPA WaterSense label, which indicates they're at least 20% more water-efficient than standard products while meeting strict performance criteria.

Optimize Your Laundry Routine

Washing machines account for about 15-40% of indoor water use in the typical home. Simple adjustments to your laundry habits can yield significant water savings without sacrificing cleanliness.

Water-wise laundry practices:

• Only run full loads – washing machines use almost the same amount of water regardless of load size
• Use the appropriate water level setting for your load size if your machine has adjustable settings
• Select the "high-efficiency" or "eco" cycles when available
• Pre-treat stains instead of rewashing entire loads
• For lightly soiled clothes, use shorter wash cycles
• Consider washing some clothes (like lightly worn jeans or sweaters) less frequently

If you're in the market for a new washing machine, high-efficiency models can reduce water usage by 30-50%. Front-loading machines typically use less water than top-loaders, and ENERGY STAR certified models are required to use 25% less water than standard washers.

Revamp Your Dishwashing Strategy

Contrary to popular belief, modern dishwashers are more water-efficient than handwashing dishes. A typical dishwasher uses 4-6 gallons per cycle, while handwashing the same number of dishes can use 20+ gallons.

Efficient dishwashing approaches:

• Skip pre-rinsing dishes – modern dishwashers are designed to handle food particles, and most detergents actually work better with some food residue to activate against
• Run only full loads to maximize water efficiency
• Use the "light" or "eco" wash setting for lightly soiled loads
• If handwashing is necessary, fill a basin rather than running water continuously
• Consider a dual-compartment sink setup with wash water in one side and rinse water in the other

When shopping for a new dishwasher, look for ENERGY STAR certified models, which use an average of 3.5 gallons or less per cycle and include soil sensors to optimize water usage.

Take Shorter, More Efficient Showers

Showers account for nearly 17% of residential indoor water use. While they're more efficient than baths (which typically use 30-50 gallons), there's still room for improvement in most shower routines.

Water-saving shower habits:

• Aim for 5-minute showers – use a waterproof timer or a shower-friendly playlist to track time
• Turn off the water while lathering, shaving, or applying products
• Install a shower shut-off valve that allows you to temporarily stop water flow without changing the temperature setting
• Capture cold water while waiting for the shower to warm up (use a bucket and repurpose for plants or toilet flushing)
• Consider a "navy shower" technique – get wet, turn off water to lather, turn water back on to rinse

When combined with a low-flow shower head (mentioned in Tip 2), these habit changes can dramatically reduce shower water consumption without compromising cleanliness or comfort.

Upgrade Your Toilet Flushing

Toilets are the largest indoor water users, accounting for nearly 30% of household water consumption. While replacing older toilets with high-efficiency models offers the biggest savings, there are also simple upgrades for existing fixtures.

Toilet water-saving options:

• Dual-flush conversion kit – These affordable kits (typically $20-$30) convert standard toilets to offer both full and half-flush options
• Adjustable flapper – Allows you to customize flush volume to the minimum needed for effective flushing
• Tank bank or displacement device – These simple devices displace water in the tank to reduce flush volume
• Fill cycle diverter – Inexpensive device that sends more water to the bowl and less to the tank during refill

For maximum savings, consider replacing toilets manufactured before 1994, which might use 3.5-7 gallons per flush. Modern high-efficiency toilets use 1.28 gallons or less while providing better flushing performance than older low-flow models.

Practice Smart Outdoor Watering

In many homes, outdoor watering accounts for 30-70% of total water use, with much of it being wasted due to inefficient practices. Strategic watering techniques can maintain healthy plants while dramatically reducing consumption.

Efficient outdoor watering strategies:

• Water early in the morning (4-10 am) when evaporation rates are lowest
• Install drip irrigation or soaker hoses that deliver water directly to plant roots
• Use smart controllers or timers that adjust watering based on weather conditions
• Group plants with similar water needs together (hydrozoning)
• Apply mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds
• Position sprinklers to avoid watering pavement or structures
• Adjust watering schedules seasonally based on rainfall and temperature

Consider replacing some lawn areas with drought-tolerant landscaping, which can reduce outdoor water use by 50-75% while still maintaining an attractive yard. Native plants adapted to your region's climate typically require far less supplemental watering once established.

Collect and Use Rainwater

Rainwater harvesting provides free, soft water perfect for garden irrigation and certain indoor uses. Even a modest rain barrel system can capture significant amounts of water during wet periods for use during drier times.

Rainwater collection options:

• Simple rain barrels – 50-100 gallon barrels that connect to downspouts
• Linked barrel systems – Multiple connected barrels that increase storage capacity
• Larger cisterns – Underground or above-ground tanks holding 500+ gallons
• Rain gardens – Landscaped depressions that collect and absorb rainwater runoff

Even in moderate rainfall areas, a 1,000 square foot roof can collect approximately 600 gallons of water from just 1 inch of rain. Many areas receive 30+ inches of rain annually, creating potential for significant water collection.

Important considerations:

• Install screens to prevent debris and mosquitoes
• Include an overflow system for heavy rainfall
• Position barrels on stable, level surfaces
• Check local regulations – some areas offer rebates for rainwater collection systems, while others have specific requirements

Reuse Household Water When Appropriate

Greywater—lightly used water from sinks, showers, and washing machines—can be safely repurposed for certain applications rather than sending it straight down the drain.

Simple greywater reuse strategies:

• Place a bucket in the shower to catch water while it's warming up
• Keep a basin in your sink to capture rinse water from produce or handwashing
• Collect and reuse aquarium water (rich in nutrients for plants)
• Direct washing machine rinse water to landscaping when appropriate

Common uses for collected greywater:

• Watering non-edible plants and landscaping
• Flushing toilets
• Cleaning outdoor areas like patios or driveways

If considering a permanent greywater system, check local regulations first, as requirements vary by location. Use only biodegradable, plant-friendly soaps and detergents if water will be used on plants.

Be Smart About Everyday Habits

Beyond major fixtures and systems, numerous small daily habits can add up to substantial water savings without any sacrifice in lifestyle or convenience.

Water-wise daily habits:

• Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving (saves 4+ gallons per minute)
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it's cold
• Defrost food in the refrigerator instead of using running water
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and walkways
• Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin instead of under running water
• Adjust ice makers to use less water or make smaller cubes
• Cover swimming pools when not in use to reduce evaporation
• Run large appliances (dishwashers, washing machines) at night when water demand and evaporation rates are lower

Consider doing a household "water audit" by monitoring your water meter before and after specific activities to identify which habits use the most water—this awareness alone often leads to more mindful consumption.