How YOU Can Conserve Water

Here are some ways you can use water more efficiently. Share these tips with your family.

1. Wash Hands Efficiently

Turn off the water while you soap your hands, and rinse briefly.

2. Brush Teeth Wisely

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

3. Flush Only When Necessary

Put paper, insects, hair, and other such waste in a trash can rather than in the toilet.

4. Don’t Waste Drinking Water

Instead of running water to make it cold, keep a pitcher of water in the fridge.

5. Use Less Water for Dishes

Scrape your dishes clean to reduce rinsing. Run the dishwasher only when it’s full.

6. Take Half-Full Baths

Try bathing in a tub that’s only half full to save water and the energy used to heat it.

7. Shorten Your Showers

Shorter showers save both energy and water—keeping your shower under 5 minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons a month!

8. Stop Leaks

Turn off water faucets tightly so they don’t drip. Tell an adult about any leak you find indoors or outside.

9. Wash Clothes Wisely

Make sure your clothes are truly dirty before putting them into the hamper. Wash clothes only when you have a full load, and use cold water whenever possible.

10. Don’t Overwater

Remind adults to water the lawn only every 3 to 5 days in the summer and avoid watering driveways, sidewalks, and gutters.

11. Sweep to Save

Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean off sidewalks and driveways.

12. Wash Cars Wisely

Use a hose nozzle and turn the water off when soaping up your car. You can save over 100 gallons this way.