
#1 – Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand.
#2 – Cut down on the number of glasses to wash by designating one glass for your drinking water each day.
#3 – Collect the water you use to wash fruits and vegetables. Use it to water your house plants.
#4 – Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, it also helps your clothes retain their color.
#5 – When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
#6 – Shortening your shower by only one 1 or 2 minutes will save up to 150 gallons of water a month!
#7 – Put food coloring in your toilet tank, if it seeps into the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
#8 – Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute.
#9 – Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor while you shave.
#10 – Turn off the water while you wash your hair in the shower.
#11 – Teach children to tightly turn off faucets after use to ensure no drips.
#12 – When kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area of your lawn that needs it most.
#13 – At home, or while staying in a hotel, reuse towels.
#14 – Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full.
#15 – Plant in the spring and fall when the watering requirements are lower.
#16 – Plant species native to your region.
#17 – Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
#18 – Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants help them retain moisture which saves money, time, & water.
#19 – Collect water from your roof by installing gutters & downspouts that direct the runoff to plants and trees.
#20 – Adjust your lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots & holds soil moisture better than short grass.
#21 – Aerating your lawn periodically will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.
#22 – Since fertilizer increases water consumption, use the minimum amount needed.
#23 – Water your summer lawns once every three days & your winter lawn once every five days.
#24 – Catch water in an empty can to measure sprinkler output. 3/4 to 1 inch of water is enough to apply each time you irrigate.
#25 – Set a kitchen timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off.
#26 – Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
#27 – Learn how to shut off your automatic water system in case of malfunctions or rain.
#28 – Water only when necessary. More plants die of over-watering rather than under-watering.
#29 – Use drip irrigation for shrubs & trees to apply water directly to the roots, where its needed.
#30 – Use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater from gutters for watering gardens and landscapes.
#31 – For hanging baskets, pots, and plants, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants a cool drink without over flow.
#32 – Pruning properly can help your plants use water more efficiently.
#33 – Use a pool cover to keep your pool clean, reduce chemical use, and prevent water loss through evaporation.
#34 – Don’t overfill the pool. Lower levels will reduce water loss from splashing.
#35 – Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or, wash your car on the lawn and you’ll water your grass at the same time.
#36 – Use a hose nozzle or turn off the hose while you wash your car. It’ll save 100 gallons every time.
#37 – When cleaning out fish tanks, use the nutrient-rich water to water non-edible plants.
#38 – Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks, & driveways.
#39 – Know where your master water shut-off is located. This could prevent damage & save gallons of water if a pipe were to burst.
#40 – Marry the weather with your landscape water use. Decrease water usage during rainy periods.
#41 – Scrape dishes rather than rinsing before washing.
#42 – When ice cubes are left over in your drink, pour them on a plant instead of down the sink.
#43 – When washing your hands, turn off the water while you later.
#44 – Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter can help you discover leaks.
#45 – Wash your pets outdoors in an area of lawn that needs water.
For many more useful tips check out the Water Use it Wisely website by clicking here.