10 Ways to Save Water

More than a quarter of all the energy we use requires water to generate it, which is why water conservation is so important. Unfortunately, we don’t often realize how much water we waste through normal daily activities. Fortunately, there are many small changes we can make as individuals to help save this precious resource.

1. Reuse leftover water from cooked or steamed foods to start a nutritious soup. It’s one more way to get 8 glasses of water a day.
2. Keep your showers under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.
3. Dishwashers typically use less water than washing by hand. Energy Star^® dishwashers save even more water and energy.
4. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.
5. While you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants or to start a pot of noodles.
6. When shaving, plug the sink and use the pool of water to rinse your razor instead of letting the faucet run continuously. It could save up to 300 gallons a month.
7. When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
8. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.
9. Don’t use running water to thaw food.  For water efficiency and food safety, defrost food in the refrigerator.
10. If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them into the sink. Throw them into a house plant.

For more tips on how to save water, please visit Water Use It Wisely.