Save Water in the Kitchen & Laundry

Use your automatic dishwasher only for full loads. Using an automatic dishwasher to pre-rinse dishes is an unnecessary and wasteful use of water.

If you wash dishes by hand, don't let the water run for rinsing. Kitchen faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute. If you have two sinks, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have only one sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a pan full of hot water. Install a low-flow aerator on all faucets.

Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Just rinse them in a plugged sink or a pan of clean water.

Refrigerate drinking water. Keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator ready to drink instead of letting a faucet flow until the water is cold enough to drink.

Use your automatic washing machine only for full loads. Use the proper water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

Choose energy efficient appliances. When purchasing a washing machine or dishwasher, consider water consumption as well as energy efficiency. For example, a high efficiency front-loading washer uses about 30 percent less water and 40 to 50 percent less energy than a top-loading clothes washer.

Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Leaks waste water 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and often can be repaired with only an inexpensive washer.