Indoors
- Run the dishwasher only when completely full; soak dishes and pans rather than running water while scraping; no need to rinse if dishwasher is new (they clean more thoroughly than older models).
- Use no more than one glass per day which will cut down on dishwasher loads.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator to avoid running water until it’s cold enough.
- Install an instant hot water dispenser at the kitchen sink to avoid running water until it’s hot enough.
- When defrosting food, avoid using running water; use the refrigerator or microwave.
- When washing hands, turn the water off while you lather up.
- Shorter showers! 5 minutes or less.
- When taking a bath, plug the drain before turning the water on and adjust temperature as tub fills up.
- Install a water conservation shower head.
- Have all running toilets repaired; make sure flappers are not stuck in the open position after flushing.
- Consider replacing older model toilets with water efficient toilets.
- Drop tissue in the trash to avoid unnecessary flushing.
- Run laundry only when there are full loads to run; avoid running smaller loads.
- Install low-flow aerators on all sink faucets.
- Water plants thoroughly but less frequently.
Outdoors
- Check sprinkler system frequently and adjust so only the landscape is watered (not the house, sidewalk or street); check sprinkler valves for leaks and keep the heads in good condition.
- Water during morning hours when temperature is cooler to avoid evaporation and allow for better absorption; avoid watering on windy days; only water when necessary.
- Use sprinkler system only on larger areas; water small patches by hand; set a timer when using a sprinkler system or when watering a lawn or garden by hand.
- Install a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs and flowers; be careful not to overwater.
- Put down a layer of mulch to slow absorption and discourage weed growth; weed regularly; weeds compete with plants for water, nutrients and light.
- Bathe your pet or let the kids run under the sprinkler on the lawn or another area in need of water.
- When washing a car, install a hose nozzle on the hose and turn off the water while lathering up.
- Check all outdoor faucets, pipes and hoses for leaks; a leak check should be conducted twice a year.
- Sweep the sidewalk and driveway rather than hosing them down.
- Cover up pools and spas to reduce evaporation.
- Consider replacing older model toilets with water efficient toilets.
General Maintenance
- Read the water meter before and after a two hour period of no water.
- Being used; there is a leak somewhere if the meter does not read exactly the same way before and after.
- Install a rain shut-off device on automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
- Winterizeoutdoor spigots, in the event of the temperature dipping below 20 degrees, to prevent pipes from freezingor bursting; know where the master shut-off valve is located.
- Insulate hot water pipes.
- Check watermeter and bill to track usage.