50 Easy Water Saving Tips

1. When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing.
2. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
3. Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
4. Choose shrubs and ground covers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
5. For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
6. Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
7. Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
8. Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap, and use the water in the pan to water houseplants.
9. Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
10. Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
11. We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
12. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
13. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
14. Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
15. When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
16. Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
17. When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
18. Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
19. Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
20. Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
21. Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
22. Use a water-efficient shower head. They're inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
23. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
24. Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
25. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
26. Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
27. If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
28. If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
29. When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
30. Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
31. Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
32. Direct water from rain gutters toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
33. Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
34. Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
35. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
36. If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
37. Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
38. Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
39. Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
40. Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
41. Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
42. Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
43. Re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.
44. Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
45. When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
46. Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
47. Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
48. When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
49. While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
50. Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.