20 Ways to Reduce Your Water Use

Save Money and Go Green

At P.J. Fitzpatrick, our bath installation specialists have been asked how homeowners can save money on their utility bills. One thing we tell them is to use less water. Not only will you reduce the amount of money you spend, but you’ll also be taking a step into a greener lifestyle.

There are simple ways to use less water, just keep these things in mind:

1. Take showers instead of baths. A full bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.

2. Run your dishwasher and your clothes washer only when they’re full. Doing small loads wastes both water and electricity.

3. Fix leaky faucets. A drop of water may not seem like a lot, but if water is constantly dripping, it can mean several gallons of wasted water every day.

4. Water your lawn only when it needs watering. If you step on your grass and it springs back up, it doesn’t need watered. If it lays flat, however, you can break out the sprinkler.

5. Install a water-saving showerhead. “Low-flow” options can save you up to 2 1/2 gallons of water every minute.

6. Instead of running your garbage disposal, which uses water, try creating your own natural compost for your garden.

7. Insulate your water pipes. The better they’re insulated, the quicker your water will heat up, saving you from wasting water while you wait for it to get hot.

8. When washing your car, leave the hose off while you wash and use it only to rinse off the soap. You could save around 100 gallons of water every year.

9. Instead of letting the water run while you wash your dishes, fill your sink up with hot, soapy water. Then, rinse each item after you clean it.

10. Flush the toilet only when it’s necessary. If you’re getting rid of something (like a bug or cigarette butt), throw it in the trash can instead.

11. Install aerators on your faucets. They break the water flow into small droplets, so you’ll use up to 60% less water.

12. Recycle “used” water (like from a bathtub, sink, or clothes washer). Use it to water your plants or your lawn.

13. Instead of hosing down your driveway or sidewalk, use a broom and sweep it. You’ll save around 50 gallons of water per minute.

14. Water your lawn in the morning or evening, when it’s cooler out. Less water will evaporate and you won’t have to water as often.

15. Keep your shower to about 5 minutes and you’ll save nearly 1,000 gallons of water every month.

16. Designate one glass each day for drinking water. You’ll have fewer dishes to wash.

17. When you water your plants, pour the water deep into the soil instead of spraying them lightly. They’ll stay hydrated longer and you won’t have to water them as much.

18. Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth and you’ll save around 100 gallons every week.

19. Aim your gutters toward your lawn instead of driveway. Even better, aim them toward areas that need watered and you won’t have to water your lawn as often.

20. Don’t rinse your dishes before you put them in the dishwasher and you’ll save 20 gallons of water every load.