Indoors

There are lots of things you can do in your own home to reduce water use and get more from less. Just follow our simple tips below to get started!

Here, there, and everywhere:

• Fix a Leak: Small household leaks can add up to gallons of water lost every day. That’s why WaterSense reminds Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year in March during Fix a Leak Week.

In the bathroom—where over half of all water use inside a home takes place:

• Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
• Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you’ve been lathering up!
• Learn tips on how to Shower Better here!

In the kitchen- whip up a batch of big water savings:

• Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.
• Use a dishwasher; and when you do, make sure it’s fully loaded!
• While you’re at it, scrape that plate instead of rinsing before loading it into the dishwasher.
• Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water.
• Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.

In the laundry room—where you can be clean AND green:

• Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

Outdoors

Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 9 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household’s outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.

In the yard—be beautiful and efficient:

• Create a water-smart landscape that is both beautiful and efficient to give your home the curb appeal you desire.
• Timing is everything! Knowing when and how much to water allows you to keep a healthy landscape.
• Upgrade to a WaterSense labeled controller if you have an in-ground irrigation system.
• Find a certified irrigation professional to install, maintain, or audit your irrigation system to ensure it is watering at peak efficiency.
• Take a look at the Landscape Photo Gallery for inspirational examples of beautiful, water-smart landscapes from across the country.

Other outdoor uses—drop that hose and keep it covered:

• Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
• Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.