Saving Water, Saving Money

Tips on Saving Water from Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission

How To Save Water in the Bathroom?

The bathroom is where most of the home's water is used -- so, it is the place where you can save the most.
 

Toilet

• Flush only when necessary.
• Don't use your toilet for a garbage disposal and/or trash can.
• Consider installing a low-flow toilet (required for replacements and new installations).
• Install a water-saving displacement device.
• For older toilets, buy or make a device that won't harm your plumbing such as  a toilet dam or weighted plastic jug full of water.
• Be sure that installation does not interfere with operating parts.
• DO NOT use a brick -- it may disintegrate and cause problems.
• Check overflow pipes to be sure that water isn't draining.
• Request a leak detector kit from the WSSC Office of Communications or simply add dark food coloring to TANK water. DON'T FLUSH! Check water in TOILET BOWL 15-20 minutes later. Color in the toilet bowl means you have a leak.

Sinks

• Fill bowl with water instead of letting water run when you wash, brush teeth or shave.
• Repair leaks, attend to drips promptly.
• Install water saving devices. Try a faucet aerator to reduce amount of water used. 

Tub or Shower  

• Install water-saving devices. Use a low-flow shower head, flow restrictor or cut off valve (lets you shut off water at shower head while soaping up and shampooing without changing the faucet setting).  

 How To Save Water in the Kitchen?

The kitchen is an excellent place for conservation. Be especially conscious of running water and use it sparingly
 

Dishwasher

• Economize. Do only full loads. Avoid using extra cycles. Choose a water-saving model.
• Repair leaks. Inspect all connections to make sure they are tight and dry.

Handwashing Dishes  

• Scrape dishes, but don't prerinse. Soak pots and pans before washing. Instead of running water continuously, fill wash and rinse basins with water. Use minimum amount of detergent.

Garbage Disposal 

• Use sink disposal unit sparingly,(but never use without running water) or use a garbage can or compost heap instead.

Food Preparation 

• Use a brush and bowl full of water to wash vegetables. Thaw frozen food in your refrigerator, not under running water. Cook vegetables with a minimum amount of water and save cooking water for soup stock.

Drinking Water 

• Instead of cooling water by running, keep a container of cold water in the refrigerator. Make only the amount of coffee, tea, etc. you expect to consume.

How To Save Water in the Laundry?

More than 10% of all water used at home is used in the washing machine, so even small investments of time and money can pay off in the long run.

Clothes Washer

• Use the load selector to match water level to size of load. ( If no selector then only do full loads.)
• Presoak heavily soiled items. Always use minimum amount of detergent.
• Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. Repair or replace when necessary.
• Inspect pipes for pinhole leaks or leaking joints.
• If buying a new washer, purchase one with conservation features. Choose a washer with load size selector or variable water level control.

How To Save Water Outside the Home?

The rate of consumption for water-saving devices or products varies significantly. Please check the packaging on the plumbing fixture or product you purchase to determine the water efficiency of your merchandise.Warm weather means more outdoor activities -- and more outdoor water use. Be as careful and efficient outdoors as you are inside the home.

** AVERAGE CONSUMPTION PER DAY PER PERSON = 70 GALLONS
 

Hoses

• Check hose and connectors. Repair or replace leaky parts or sections.
• Use a nozzle which can be shut off or adjusted to fine spray.
• When finished, shut off at the house instead of at nozzle to avoid leaks.
• Consider a water-saving drip irrigation system which provides a slow steady supply of water to garden and shrubbery.

Lawn & Garden 

• Water slowly and thoroughly during cool, windless hours, as infrequently as possible.
• Let grass grow taller in hot weather.
• Use mulch in the garden and around shrubs to save moisture.
• Plant native and other shrubs that don't need a lot of watering.
• Consider alternatives to big thirsty lawns.
• Re-using water is a good idea.
• Some cleaning water and pool water is fine for watering lawn and garden.

Car

• Rinse car once, wash from bucket of soapy water, rinse quickly again.
• Used water is fine for chrome, hub caps, wheels.

Driveways & Walkways 

• Use a broom or rake instead of water to remove leaves, clippings, debris.

Pool

• Keep level low to minimize splashing. Use a cover to slow evaporation (keeps water cleaner, too).
• Check walls, filtration systems, inlets; repair where needed.