Water Conservation Tips
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Water Conservation Tips for the Home
April 2026 Newsletter | Kenneth Bargers
SMART DROPS. SMART HOME.
How much water do we waste each day around the home? Water conservation not only will save water; it saves energy, and it can save you money. Excessive water-use burdens water utilities, overloads sewage treatment plants, and can cause residential septic systems to malfunction. This month’s newsletter focuses on Water Conservation Tips for the Home.
Around the home…
Repair leaky faucets, indoors and out. Many homes have hidden water leaks.
Consider replacing appliances and toilets with energy and water efficient models.
When purchasing a new water softener, look for one fitted with a hardness sensor that automatically triggers regeneration.
Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when water is not being used. If the dials are moving, or the meter does not have the same reading both times, there is a leak.
In the kitchen…
When cooking, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water.
Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes.
Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
Only use garbage disposal when necessary.
Install faucet aerators.
In the laundry…
Run full loads of laundry.
When purchasing a new washing machine, buy a water saving model that can be adjusted to the load size.
In the bathroom…
Use showerheads with adjustable water flow.
Attempt to use the shower within 5 minutes of completion.
When taking a bath, fill the bathtub half-full or less.
Replace the toilet with newer models that use less tank water and more efficient flush methods.
Outdoor living…
Consider installing a rain barrel.
Maximize the use of natural vegetation and establish smaller lawns.
For portions of your lot where a lawn and landscaping are desired, ask your local nursery for tips about plants and grasses with lower water demand.
Consider planting more trees, shrubs, ground covers, and less grass. Shrubs and ground cover usually demand less water.
Cluster plants that require extra care together to minimize time and save water.
When mowing your lawn, set the mower blades to 2-3 inches high. Longer grass shades the soil improving moisture retention.
Only water the lawn when necessary (once a week). If rainfall isn’t sufficient; avoid watering on windy/hot days. Water the lawn in the morning or late in the evening to maximize root retention.
Use soaker hoses to water gardens and flower beds.
If sprinklers are used, take care to be sure they don’t water walkways and buildings.
When you water, put down no more than 1 inch. Set out empty cans to determine how long it takes to water 1 inch.
If an automatic lawn irrigation system is used, be sure it has been programmed to deliver the appropriate amount of water and has a rain shut-off feature.
Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and control weeds.
Add compost or organic matter to soil as necessary to improve water retention.
When washing a car, wet it quickly, then use a bucket of water to wash the car. Turn on hose for final rinse.
If you have a well, check to see if the pump cycles on and off even when water is not being used.
Check your swimming pool and hot tub for leaks.
When not in use, cover your pool and hot tub to reduce evaporation. Covered pulls use less treatment chemicals.
If lawn sprinkling is negligible, nearly 75% of all residential water is used in the bathroom.
Most of the water used indoors is for bathing and toilet flushing.
Studies show that dripping faucets and leaking toilets account for 14% or more of all water used indoors.
Faucets flow water at 3 to 5 gallons per minute.
Showerheads flow water at 5 to 10 gallons per minute.
A bathtub filled half full will contain at least 50 gallons of water.
Older toilets prior to 1994 use 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. Some new toilets use as little as 1.6 gallons per flush.
Twenty percent of all toilets leak.
Older dishwashers use at least 15 gallons of water per load.
Older washing machines use 30 to 60 gallons of water per load.
A dripping faucet can usually be repaired by replacing the rubber O-ring or washer inside the valve.
An uncovered residential pool will waste a minimum of 1,000 gallons per month. A covered pool will lose as little as 100 gallons per month.
