Indoor Water Conservation Tips
- Check your toilet for leaks. A leak inside the toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. If you suspect a leaking toilet, contact the City's Finance Department at 301-689-6000 to request a dye tablet that can be placed in the toilet tank. If there is a leak, color will show in the bowl within about 30 minutes. Check for worn out, corroded, or bent parts. Replacement kits are relatively inexpensive and easily installed.
- Faucet leaks are usually visible; however there are some unnoticeable leaks in areas like the on/off handle or in the pipes below the basin.
- Drips of 60 drops per minute = 192 gallons per month; 90 drops per minute = 310 gallons per month; a 3” stream = 1095 gallons per month. This increases your monthly water and sewer bill.
- Install low flow aerators and showerheads.
- Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons a month.
- Don’t let the water run while brushing teeth, shaving, or washing hands/face. This can save more than 100 gallons a week.
- Running your washing machine or dishwasher only when full could save you hundreds of gallons a month.
- Check your water meter and bill to track your usage.
- Use a timer to keep showers to a 5 minute limit; this can save 1000 gallons a month.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
- Avoid running water to thaw food. Place food in refrigerator overnight or defrost in the microwave.
- Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load. Automatic dishwashers use about 15 gallons per load.
- If washing dishes by hand, don’t let water run continuously for rinsing. If you have 2 sinks, fill one with rinse water. If you have only one sink, first gather all your washed dishes in a dish rack, and then rinse them quickly. Also, using the least amount of detergent necessary minimizes the rinse water needed.
- Use a bowl of water to clean and prepare vegetables rather than letting the faucet run.
- Use your garbage disposal less often and compost instead.
- Check all hose connections for leaks.
- Clean up with a waterless hand cleaner. Not using a steady stream of water will save 7-19 gallons each time.
- Fixing leaky faucets and plumbing joints can save up to 20 gallons a day per leak. It is easy to do and can represent a substantial savings in plumbing and water bills.
- For cooking most food, use only a little water in the pot and put a lid on it. Not only does this method save water, but food is more nutritious since you don’t pour vitamins and minerals down the drain with the extra cooking water.
- If you are considering the purchase of any new appliances that use water, check the water requirements of the various models and brands. You’ll find that some use less water than others.
- Be sure your hot water heater thermostat isn’t set too high. Extremely hot settings waste water and energy when the water has to be cooled with cold water before you can use it.
Just remember, every drop counts, and every person can make a difference!
