American consumers use approximately 43 billion gallons of fresh water every day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The average person uses just under 70 gallons of water. Unfortunately, America's fresh water supplies are slowly dwindling, and runoff from used water can pollute the environment. You can modify your lifestyle and home to conserve water, helping the environment while lowering your monthly utility bill.
Modify Your Toilet
Install toilets labeled with the EPA's WaterSense label. The agency reports that such toilets use just under 1.3 gallons of water every time you flush them. Compared with traditional toilets, which use 3.5 gallons of more, the agency estimates that the average American family of four will save approximately $90 per year in water utility costs.
Install New Showerheads
Low-flow showerheads reduce the amount of water that comes gushing through when you bathe. Such showerheads can save your home approximately 20,000 gallons of water annually, according to the EPA.
Shorten Your Showers
Showering comprises almost a quarter of all home water usage, according to the EPA. Cut back on this water usage by showering for just five minutes---a five minute shower uses approximately 12 gallons of water, according to Colorado State University---and shut off the water while scrubbing your body or shampooing.
Brush Wisely
Don't let the water run while you're brushing or flossing your teeth. This will conserve approximately 10 gallons of water daily per person, estimates the University of Illinois. The same goes for when you're washing your hands or shaving.
Wash Full Loads Only
Avoid the temptation to run your dishwasher or laundry machine when it's not completely full. Running only full loads of dishes or clothes will save up to 800 gallons of water every month, reports the University of Georgia. If you have only a few items to clean, the university suggests hand washing them. Additionally, consider switching your appliances to newer, more efficient washing appliances. For example, the average laundry washing machine requires approximately 41 gallons of water to wash a single load, reports the EPA, but newer high-efficiency ones require 28 gallons or less.
Modify Your Toilet
Install a toilet dam in your toilet's reservoir tank---dams are available in most hardware stores---to reduce the rate of flow of water in the tank. Alternatively, craft your own homemade modification by filling a plastic milk jug with water and putting it in your tank. The EPA reports that such customization will reduce the water used by approximately 1 gallon during every flush.
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