Saving water is not only good for the environment, it saves you money. The average U.S. household, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, uses 27 percent of its indoor water for toilets, 16.8 percent for the shower, 21.7 percent for the clothes washer and 15.7 percent from faucets.
Install Low-Flow Faucets and Toilets
Water-efficient showerheads can save a household up to 750 gallons of water a month, according to WaterUseItWisely.com. Installing aerators on kitchen and bathroom faucets can also save considerable amounts of water. In addition, older toilets can use as much as 7 gallons per flush. If you have an old toilet, get a low-flow toilet that uses up to 80 percent less water.
Don't Leave the Water Running
Leaving the faucet running while you brush your teeth, shave, wash your face or do dishes wastes water. Turn on the faucet only when you need the water, and turn it off as soon as possible. Use a sink stopper or plastic basin to gather just enough water for use.
Fix Leaks
An astonishing 13.7 percent of indoor water use derives from leaks. Don't let a dripping faucet or running toilet waste water; have it repaired. If you have drip irrigation hoses or an automatically refilling pool, check for leaks there as well.
Water at Night
Watering your lawn or garden during the day can evaporate up to 30 percent of the water used. The best time to water is in the early morning.
Don't Water Your Lawn
Among the best ways to cut outdoor water usage is to not water your lawn at all. If you live in a climate where lawns die without extra water, consider converting your lawn to a native plant landscape, which requires little to no additional water.
Shorten Your Shower
Shortening every shower by just a minute or two can save up to 150 gallons per month, according to WaterUseItWisely.com.
Wash Your Car Wisely
Use a hose nozzle to wash your car at home, and minimize the frequency of car washes. Or take your car to a car wash that recycles water.
Save Running Water
Instead of running the faucet for cold water, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator. Instead of running the faucet for hot water, use a stove or electric kettle. While waiting for shower or bath water to heat up, collect the cool water in a bucket and use it to water plants or flush toilets.
Don't Pre-Rinse Dishes
Rinsing dishes before putting them in the dishwasher may use up to 10 gallons of water. Don't rinse your dishes if your dishwasher can handle it. If your dishwasher can't get dishes clean without a thorough rinse, soak the dishes in a full sink of water rather than running the faucet, or hand-wash them.
Only Wash with a Full Load
Running only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers can save a household up to 1,000 gallons per month, according to WaterUseItWisely.com.
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