Conserving Water Indoors
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Simple ways to save water throughout your home
Water is part of everyday routines, from brushing your teeth and washing dishes to doing laundry and taking showers. Small changes inside your home can help reduce water waste, lower utility costs and support reliable water resources across Hampton Roads.
Save Water Around the House
Small changes throughout your home can help reduce water waste and improve efficiency.
Around-the-house water-saving tips:
- Insulate your water heater and all water pipes
- Consider purchasing fixtures and appliances with the WaterSense designation
- Recycle water from fish tanks by using it to water plants (It’s rich in nitrogen and phosphorus and makes for a great, inexpensive fertilizer!)
Save Water in the Kitchen and Laundry Room
Daily routines like cooking, washing dishes and doing laundry use more water than many people realize. A few small habit changes can help reduce water waste.
Kitchen and laundry water-saving tips:
- Fill a pitcher with tap water and store it in the refrigerator instead of running the tap for cold water
- Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water over it
- When washing dishes by hand, use one basin to wash and another to rinse instead of letting the water run
- Install inexpensive aerators on faucets
- Use a pan to wash fruits and vegetables, then use the water on houseplants
- Run the dishwasher only when full
- Do not pre-rinse items before loading the dishwasher
- Use the proper water-level setting when washing clothes
- If your washing machine’s water level cannot be adjusted, wash full loads only
- Use the permanent press cycle only when necessary, since it uses ⅓ more water than regular settings
Save Water in the Bathroom
Bathrooms are one of the most common places for household water use and water waste. Simple updates and everyday habits can make a difference.
Bathroom tips:
- Check toilets and faucets for leaks, and repair them promptly
- Install faucet aerators or low-flow faucets and showerheads
- Install a low-flow toilet or modify your toilet with a device that reduces water used per flush
- Take shorter showers
- Turn off the water while shampooing or soaping up
- Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving
- Never use the toilet as a wastebasket
Make Every Drop Count Indoors
Indoor water conservation does not have to mean big changes. By paying attention to leaks, using water-efficient fixtures and making simple habit changes, you can help conserve water every day.