Water Conservation in the Home;

While industry and agriculture use large percentages of available water, households are still big users and the amount used had increased over time. A century ago, Americans used approximately 10 gallons of water to drink, cook, clean and bathe. Today, an average American uses more than 100 gallons of water and the average household more than 260 gallons.

Q: What are the biggest water users in a home?

In most homes, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers use the most water. Newer models, such as low-flow toilets and efficient washers and dishwashers, save water and money, A 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilet, for example, can save thousands of gallons each year and energy saving washing machines use 35 to 50 percent less water and half as much energy. Some water use is behavioral in nature: showers longer than five minutes, watering plants in the heat of the day, running the dishwasher when it is only half full, and leaving the water running while shaving or brushing teeth are all examples.

How to save water:

Inside the home

• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator rather than running the tap until the water gets cold.
• Replace five-gallon-per-flush toilets with standard 1.9 gallons-per-flush models. This can save an average of 18,600 gallons of water per year and about $90.00.
• Fixing a leaking toilet can save as much as 500 gallons a day, or as much as $1,000 per year. Check toilets for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in your tank. If the color begins to appear in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second can add up to 2,700 gallons per year.
• Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth or shaving. On average you will save more than five gallons of water.
• Take shorter showers. A quick shower rather than a bath can save an average of 20 gallons of water. EPA recommends taking three to five minute showers.
• Use both sides of the sink when washing dishes; one side to wash and the other to rinse. Don’t wash dishes with the water running.
• Garbage disposals use approximately 11.5 gallons of water per day. Try composting organic wastes instead.
• Use the dishwasher and washer when you have full loads.
• Install flow restriction in faucets.
• When cleaning fish tank, use the drained water on plants. The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, a healthy treat for plants.
• Never pour water down the drain there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or cleaning around your home.

• Use mulch around trees to slow evaporation.
• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around pumps.
• Water lawns and plants early in the morning or during the evening when there is less evaporation.
• Water your lawn only when it needs it and adjust sprinklers so you are not watering the sidewalk or street. Also, aerated lawns absorb water better.
• Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs, trees, and gardens.
• Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
• Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote a water conservation program among children and adults.