GOOD TO DO

Around the House

• 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!
• Consider purchasing fixtures and appliances with the WaterSense designation.

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 on all faucets.
• Use a pan to wash fruits and vegetables. When finished, use the water on your 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 faucet aerators or low-flow faucets and 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 while brushing your teeth or shaving!
• NEVER use the toilet as a wastebasket!

For all you need to know about conserving water, visit Water Use It Wisely.