The bathroom accounts for 65% of the total water use inside the home, so let's start there.

Toilets

• Toilets installed prior to 1992 use up to 7 gallons per flush. Today's high efficiency toilets use only 1.28 gallons or less per flush.
• Don't use your toilet for an ashtray.
• Check for leaks. A leaking toilet can waste up to 7,000 gallons in a 24-hr. period. An unseated or damaged flapper valve or ball cock valve that does not shut off causes leaks. To test for a leak, place a couple drops of food coloring in the tank. Do not flush the toilet. After about 15 minutes check the bowl. If you see any food coloring in the bowl, then you know you have a leak.

Showers/Baths

• A 10-minute shower using a low-flow showerhead uses approximately 24 gallons compared to a non low-flow showerhead which can use up to 40 gallons.
• Take shorter showers.
• A full bath uses between 40–60 gallons of water. Filling the tub only halfway reduces this amount significantly.

Now let's move to the next part of the house that uses a lot of water.

The Laundry Room

• Washing machines typically use about 45 gallons of water per load. You can reduce this amount by setting the dial on your machine to the appropriate load level, if your machine has this option. If your machine does not have this option, then wash only full loads.
• Purchase a high efficiency washing machine.

What About the Kitchen Area?

• Wash full loads in your dishwasher.
• If you do not have a dishwasher, rinse your dishes in a sink of water instead of under running water.
• Wash your vegetables in a bowl of water instead of under a faucet of running water.
• Repair all leaks. Replace washers on leaky faucets. Leaks can waste up to 190 gallons per month.

Small leaks can add up to big losses. See how much at Water Conservation Tips & Resources.