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2. Install water-saving devices
Reduce water consumption by 60% with water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators, found at your local home-remodeling center. Create your own low-flush toilet by placing a ½ gallon plastic jug filled with sand in the toilet water tank. Check your toilet tank water level; it should be one inch below the top of the overflow pipe. Check your toilet for leaks by placing several drops of food coloring into the tank and letting it stand for 30 minutes. If any colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak and will need to replace the toilet flapper.
Shower Heads and Faucet Aerators
3. Turn off the tap
Turn off the water as you brush your teeth and shave. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator so you do not need to let the tap run to get cold water. Soak dirty pots in hot water rather than running water over them.
4. Take a short shower
Opt for a quick shower—reducing your shower by five minutes can save 25 gallons! You can conserve even more by installing a low-flow showerhead. For a limited time, Florida House is hosting a free showerhead exchange—bring in your old wasteful showerhead and get a new efficient model for free! Call ahead for details.
Florida House Learning Center 941-316-1200
5. Fix leaks around the home
Undetected water leaks can result in unnecessary increases in your water bill. Check for leaks with a household leak test: Read the number on your water meter and take note of the positions of the dials on the meter face. Do not use any water for 2 hours, then re-read the meter and note if any dials have moved. Most unnoticeable leaks are caused by backflow, recent construction, irrigation, automatic pool fill, hot water tank, plumbing meter, water softener or washing machine.
6. Practice efficient flushing
Toilet flushing represents 30% of our daily water consumption, so limiting your flushes can help save large amounts of water! Flush only when necessary. You can use a wastebasket in the bathroom to dispose of toilet paper. Never throw trash in the toilet.
7. Wash dishes and clothes efficiently
If you wash dishes by hand, fill the sink rather than running the water. When using your dishwasher or clothes washer, always wait until you have full loads of dishes or laundry.
8. Invest in water-saving appliances
Look for the ENERGY STAR label to save with your next washer machine, dishwasher, or swimming pool filter. Tumble-action, front-loading washers use 50% less water and 30-40% less energy than top-loading machines.
ENERGY STAR Products
9. Harvest rainwater
Harvest your own water for outdoor use with a rainwater catchment system. Build or buy a cistern or rainbarrel to catch water which runs off from your gutters and roof. Rainwater can be used to water gardens, wash cars or even wash pets. Be sure to cover water with mesh screening to avoid breeding mosquitoes, and never use rainwater for drinking, bathing or cooking. Find instructions for rainwater harvesting at the links below.
Cisterns to Collect Non-Potable Water
Florida House Learning Center
10. Save water outdoors
Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down. Look for a carwash that recycles its water to wash your vehicle. Refrain from using or installing ornamental water fountains that waste water. Install a shut-off spray nozzle on hoses. Cover your pool or hot tub to reduce evaporation.
11. Turn off your water in the off-season
Seasonal residents can accumulate high water bills from undetected leaks and plumbing problems while they are away. To save money and avoid water damages, contact your utility to temporarily shut off service. Shut off irrigation and have someone turn it on manually if needed—during the summer season, the rainy weather often provides all the irrigation we need.
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