Indoor Water Conservation

Toilets

Toilets

Toilets are the largest indoor water user, accounting for approximately 27–30% of household indoor water use. Older toilets can use 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush, while EPA WaterSense® labeled toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less without sacrificing performance. Replacing an older toilet with a WaterSense model can significantly reduce household water use and lower utility costs.

Water-saving tips

• Check regularly for toilet leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you may have a leak.
• Put a water displacement bottle in your toilet tank. A clean, heavy glass jar, such as a barrel pickle jar, no taller than 6½ inches will work well. The full glass jar without a lid will not move around in the tank and will not deteriorate over time. Place it in a corner where it will not interfere with the operation of the float assembly.
• Replace worn flappers and valves promptly.
• Upgrade older toilets to EPA WaterSense-labeled models.

Showers

Replacement Solution: Switch to a high-efficiency showerhead that uses no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. A full bathtub may use 36 gallons of water. At minimum water level, you will use only 10 gallons of water. You save on the water usage, as well as your power bill.

Faucets

Quick Fix: Use faucet aerators on all faucets. Like the water-saving showerheads, the aerators give you the same water pressure without using as much water.

Laundry

Quick Fix: Conserve water in your existing washer by doing full loads, or adjust the water level. Most top-load washers use from 32 to 60 gallons of water per load.

Replacement Solution: Look for front-loading washers when buying a new appliance. Depending upon the model, they use from 15 to 22 gallons of water per load.

Look for models with a variety of water levels and temperature settings to maximize water and energy savings. Some models have internal coils to heat the water as it enters the washer.

The higher spin rates on the front-load washers mean more energy savings from a shorter drying time. Less water going into a septic system can increase the life of the drainfield.

Dish Washing

Replacement Solution: If you're in the market for a new dishwasher, get an Energy Star model that saves on both water and electricity for double the savings.