Water is a valuable resource, but consumers should use it wisely to help conserve it. Whether you live in a bustling city or in the middle of a desert, everyone can help save water by finding ways to recycle and conserve, both indoors and outdoors, according to the Water Use it Wisely website. Saving water is easy, effective and beneficial for conservation in your neighborhood, and that contributes to global water conservation.
Laundry
Save up to 1,000 gallons of water a month by doing only full loads of laundry, suggests Water Use It Wisely. The same goes for dishwashers.
Dishes
Fill the sink with water instead of allowing water to run out of the faucet when rising or washing dishes, suggests Water Use It Wisely. Save rinse water in a container, and use it to water house plants or outdoor plants. You also can use the rinse water to wipe down kitchen appliances or even help dab up spills on the floor, according to AmericanWater.com.
Sweep
Get some exercise and save water at the same time by sweeping your driveway and patio instead of hosing them down, suggests Water Use It Wisely.
Bathroom Water Saving Tips
Limit showers to 5 minutes or less, suggests AmericanWater.com. Purchase a low-flow shower head for increased water savings. When bathing, fill the tub only 1/3 full instead of filling it to the top. You also can save water by not flushing the toilet every time it is used. Some people might cringe, but there really is no need to flush every time. The old standard, "If it's yellow, it's mellow. ... if it's brown, flush it down" is a good gauge for determining how often to flush. Flush every three times instead of every time, especially if you're home alone. Don't allow water to gush from the faucet when shaving or brushing your teeth. Turn it to a trickle or turn the faucet off while brushing, and fill the sink 1/4 full for use while shaving.
Toilets
Place a couple of bricks or a couple of quart-sized plastic bottles filled partially with sand or small stones in the toilet tank, suggests EarthEasy.com. Most toilet tanks need only 3 gallons of water to function properly. Place the bricks or plastic bottle on the side of the tank opposite the handle mechanism and away from the floater gasket in the bottom of the tank.
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