Clean, Affordable Tap Water
Learn where Hampton Roads tap water comes from and why public drinking water is safe, reliable and worth protecting.
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Water Conservation
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Saving water doesn’t require major changes.
Small, everyday habits – both inside and outdoors – can add up to significant savings for your water usage and your wallet.
Start With Simple Habits
What To Do:
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth, shaving or washing dishes
- Fix leaks promptly – even small drips waste thousands of gallons over time
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks
Use Water Efficiently Indoors
In the kitchen & laundry:
- Wash produce in a bowl and reuse the water for plants
- Don’t let water run while rinsing dishes
- Thaw food in the refrigerator, not under running water
- Match laundry water levels to load size
In the bathroom:
- Take shorter showers and consider low-flow showerheads
- Install faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets
- Turn off water while lathering or brushing
- Never use the toilet as a trash can
Smart upgrades:
- Look for WaterSense-labeled fixtures and appliances
- Insulate hot water pipes to reduce wait time for hot water
Water Wisely Outdoors
Outdoor use can account for a large portion of household water use – especially in warmer months.
Smarter watering:
- Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation
- Water deeply but less frequently to promote healthy roots
- Only water when needed – overwatering is a common problem
- Adjust watering schedules based on weather and season
Make your system efficient:
- Check sprinklers regularly and aim them at plants – not pavement
- Use drip irrigation for gardens and planting beds
- Install a rain shut-off device or smart controller
Landscaping & Lawn Care
Create a water-efficient yard:
- Choose native or drought-tolerant plants
- Group plants with similar watering needs
- Use mulch to retain moisture and reduce evaporation
- Reduce high-maintenance turf areas where possible
Lawn tips:
- Water only when needed – look for signs like lingering footprints
- Mow at a higher setting to help retain soil moisture
- Aerate soil to improve water absorption
Reuse & Reduce
- Collect rainwater in a rain barrel for outdoor use
- Reuse water from rinsing produce or aquariums for plants
- Wash cars on grass or use commercial car washes that recycle water
- Cover pools to reduce evaporation and check regularly for leaks
Related Links
Winterizing Your Pipes
Your home’s plumbing system plays an important role in protecting water quality and preventing water loss – especially during colder months or in older homes.
Learn More
Lead Water Pipes
Find tips for protecting pipes, preventing winter damage and understanding how pipe safety supports reliable water service.
Learn More