askhrgreen.org » Smart Water Use: Indoor

Smart Water Use: Indoor

Water conservation starts with just a drop in the bucket.

Hampton Roads residents would be amazed by how much water they could save simply by paying a little closer attention to the ways in which they use it. Drop by drop, it all adds up –small changes in lifestyle can add up to huge water savings.

Around the House
• Build a compost pile instead of using your garbage disposal.
• Insulate your water heater and all water pipes.
• Recycle water from fish tanks by using it to water plants. It's rich in nitrogen and phosphorous and makes for a great, inexpensive fertilizer!
In the Kitchen
• Fill a pitcher with tap water and store it in the fridge rather than running the tap every time you want a drink of cold water.
• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water over it.
• When washing dishes by hand, use two basins. Wash dishes in one and rinse dishes in the other rather than letting the water run.
• Install inexpensive aerators in all faucets.
• Drain or use a pan to wash fruits and vegetables. When finished, use it to water houseplants.
• Run the dishwasher only when full.
• Do not pre-rinse items for the dishwasher.
In the Laundry Room
• Use the proper water-level setting when washing clothes. If your machine's water level cannot be adjusted, do FULL loads only.
• Use the perma-press cycle on your machine only when necessary. It uses 1/3 more water than the regular settings.
In the Bathroom
• Check toilets and faucets for leaks, and repair promptly.
• Install flow restrictions and/or low-flow showerheads.
• Install a low-flow toilet or modify your toilet with an inexpensive flushing device that reduces the amount of water used during each flush cycle.
• Take shorter showers! Try turning the water off while shampooing or soaping up.
• Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth or shaving!
• NEVER use the toilet as a wastebasket!