EPA WaterSense Tips

Using Water Efficiently: Ideas for Residences

Efficient water use can have major environmental, public health, and economic benefits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources. Learn more.

Simple Steps to Save Water

Saving water around the home is simple and smart. The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill, but could save about $170 per year by retrofitting with water-efficient fixtures and incorporating water-saving practices. Learn more.

WaterSense Pledge

Want to do something to reduce your environmental footprint? Take the WaterSense Pledge to cut down on water waste! Learn more.

Inside Tips:

• Replace your showerhead with a water-efficient model, like the Sonaki Vitamin Shower, and save thousands of gallons of water.
• Verify that your home is leak-free. Check your water meter before and after when no water is being used. If your meter shows an increase, you have a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers, and save thousands of gallons per year.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator to cut down on running water for cooler water.
• Turn off the water while shaving, washing your face or brushing your teeth.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily, and consider upgrading older toilets with water efficient models.
• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
• Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
• Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

Outside Tips:

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
• When purchasing new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
• Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
• Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
• Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
• Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
• Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.