Indoor Water Conservation Tips
 
Often, it’s the small things that can mean big long-term savings. The following tips can help you do your part to live a more water-wise lifestyle.
 
In the Bathroom

• Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving, rather than running a steady stream.
• Limit showers to five minutes.
• For pre-1990 homes, replace standard shower heads with low-volume heads. Install low flow aerators in bathroom faucets.
• Check your toilet periodically for leaks. Place a few drops of food coloring in the tank. After a few minutes, if you see color in the bowl, you have a leak, perhaps caused by a faulty flapper.
• Read the Toilet Leak Detection Brochure (pdf). 
• Listen for gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. These noises indicate the flush valve needs to be adjusted to stop wasting water.
• In pre-1980 homes, fill a plastic, one quart bottle with water and place it in the toilet tank. To anchor the bottle, partially fill it with sand or any heavy substance. This does not affect the efficiency of most toilets and can save 5 or more gallons per day per a family of four. Do not use bricks to displace water in your toilet tank. They will break down over time and can cause problems.
• Avoid using your toilet for a wastebasket or ashtray. Extra flushes waste water and money.

In the Kitchen & Laundry Room

• Automatic dishwashers and washers are more efficient if run only when they are full. 
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the tap run freely to rinse. Fill the second side of the sink with rinse water.
• Fill a pitcher with drinking water and store it in the refrigerator.