100+ Water-Saving Tips

Indoor Tips

1. #1

   There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

2. #2

   When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

3. #3

   Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand. Now, Energy Star dishwashers save even more water and energy.

4. #4

   If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.

5. #5

   Designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

6. #6

   Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

7. #7

   Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.

8. #8

   Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

9. #9

   Don’t use running water to thaw food. For water efficiency and food safety, defrost food in the refrigerator.

10. #10

    Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.

11. #11

    Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

12. #12

    Reuse leftover water from cooked or steamed foods to start a nutritious soup, it’s one more way to get eight glasses of water a day.

13. #13

    Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps it retain more nutrients.

14. #14

    Select the proper pan size for cooking. Large pans may require more cooking water than necessary.

15. #15

    If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

16. #16

    Collect the water you use while rinsing fruit and vegetables. Use it to water house plants.

17. #17

    When shopping for a new dishwasher, use the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website to compare water use between models.

1. #18

   When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

2. #19

   Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color.

3. #20

   When shopping for a new washing machine, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some can save up to 20 gallons of water per load.

4. #21

   Have a plumber re-route your greywater to trees and plants rather than the sewer line. Check with your city and county for codes.

5. #22

   When buying a washer, check the Consortium for Energy Efficiency website to compare water use between models.

1. #23

   If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a WaterSense® labeled model.

2. #24

   Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

3. #25

   Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.

4. #26

   Toilet leaks can be silent! Be sure to test your toilet for leaks at least once a year.

5. #27

   Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl without flushing, there’s a leak. Fix it and start saving gallons.

6. #28

   When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

7. #29

   Upgrade older toilets with water-saving WaterSense® labeled models.

8. #30

   If your toilet flapper doesn’t close properly after flushing, replace it.

9. #31

   Use a WaterSense® labeled showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

10. #32

    Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

11. #33

    If your toilet was installed before 1992, purchasing a WaterSense® labeled toilet can reduce the amount of water used for each flush.

12. #34

    Consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two flush options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush for solid waste.

13. #35

    Plug the sink instead of running the water to rinse your razor and save up to 300 gallons a month.

14. #36

    Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.

15. #37

    When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.

16. #38

    Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.

17. #39

    Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

18. #40

    Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them and save water every time.

19. #41

    Look for WaterSense® labeled toilets, sink faucets, urinals and showerheads.

20. #42

    One drip every second adds up to five gallons per day! Check your faucets and showerheads for leaks.

21. #43

    While you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants.

1. #44

   Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

2. #45

   Watch the Home Water Challenge video or use the Home Water Audit Calculator to see where you can save water.

3. #46

   When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most.

4. #47

   Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

5. #48

   Play fun games while learning how to save water!

6. #49

   Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.

7. #50

   Learn how to use your water meter to check for leaks.

8. #51

   Reward kids for the water-saving tips they follow.

9. #53

   Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.

10. #54

    Hire a GreenPlumber® to help reduce your water, energy, and chemical use.

11. #55

    Be a leak detective! Check all hoses, connectors, and faucets regularly for leaks.

12. #56

    We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses.

13. #57

    See a leak you can’t fix? Tell a parent, teacher, employer, or property manager, or call a handyman.

14. #58

    At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

15. #59

    Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

16. #60

    Run your washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

17. #61

    See how your water use stacks up to others by calculating your daily water use.

Outdoor Tips

1. #62

   Use porous material for walkways and patios to prevent wasteful runoff and keep water in your yard.

2. #63

   Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.

3. #64

   Choose the right Arizona-friendly plants and watch them thrive in our desert environment.

4. #65

   Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.

5. #66

   Plant species native to your region.

6. #67

   Plant in the spring and fall, when the watering requirements are lower.

7. #68

   When sprucing up your front or backyard, consider xeriscaping. This landscape method uses low-water-use plants to limit your water use.

8. #69

   Consider attending a landscape class hosted by a water provider. Most workshops occur in the spring and fall.

9. #70

   Avoid planting grass in areas that are hard to water, such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.

10. #71

    Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.

11. #72

    Start a compost pile. Using compost in your garden or flower beds adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.

12. #73

    Use a layer of organic mulch on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.

13. #74

    Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants helps them retain moisture, saving water, time and money.

14. #75

    Use 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.

15. #76

    Visit your local xeriscape garden to view plants that thrive in our hot desert environment.

16. #77

    Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low-water-use plant and save up to 550 gallons each year.

17. #78

    Call your local conservation office for more information about xeriscaping with water-thrifty trees, plants, and ground covers.

18. #79

    Collect water from your roof by installing gutters and downspouts. Direct the runoff to plants and trees.

19. #80

    For automatic water savings, direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems to water-loving plants in your landscape.

20. #82

    Hire a Smartscape Certified professional landscaper who has received landscape training specific to the Sonoran Desert.

1. #81

   Hire a qualified pro to install your irrigation system and keep it working properly and efficiently.

2. #82

   Hire a Smartscape Certified professional landscaper who has received landscape training specific to the Sonoran Desert.

3. #83

   Adjust your lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture better than short grass.

4. #84

   Leave lawn clippings on your grass, this cools the ground and holds in moisture.

5. #85

   If installing a lawn, select a lawn mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.

6. #86

   Aerate your lawn periodically. Holes every six inches will allow water to reach the roots, rather than run off the surface.

7. #87

   If walking across the lawn leaves footprints (blades don’t spring back up), then it is time to water.

8. #88

   Let your lawn go dormant (brown) during the winter. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three to four weeks, less if it rains.

9. #89

   Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Ryegrass needs water every few days, whereas Dormant Bermuda grass needs water monthly.

10. #90

    Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light and water.

11. #91

    While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.

12. #92

    Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.

13. #93

    Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. 3/4 to 1 inch of water is enough to apply each time you irrigate.

1. #64

   Choose the right Arizona-friendly plants and watch them thrive in our desert environment.

2. #69

   Consider attending a landscape class hosted by a water provider. Most workshops occur in the spring and fall.

3. #94

   Read the Landscape Watering by the Numbers guidebook to help you determine how long and how much to water.

4. #95

   Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water.

5. #96

   Set a kitchen timer when using the hose as a reminder to turn it off. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons per minute.

6. #97

   Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.

7. #98

   Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.

8. #99

   Timing is everything when it comes to irrigation. Learn how to set your controller properly.

9. #100

   Look for WaterSense® labeled irrigation controllers.

10. #101

    Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case of malfunctions or rain.

11. #102

    Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.

12. #103

    If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.

13. #104

    Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.

14. #105

    Signs of overwatering: Leaves turn lighter shades of green or yellow, young shoots wilt, and sometimes algae or fungi grow.

15. #106

    Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.

16. #107

    Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.

17. #108

    Water dry spot by hand instead of running the whole irrigation system longer.

18. #109

    Don’t water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.

19. #110

    Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots, where it’s needed.

20. #111

    Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.

21. #112

    Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops and mist often evaporate before hitting the ground.

22. #113

    Use a rain barrel to harvest rainwater from gutters for watering gardens and landscapes.

23. #114

    For hanging baskets, planters and pots, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants a cool drink of water without overflow.

24. #115

    Remember to periodically check your sprinkler system valves for leaks, and to keep sprinkler heads in good shape.

25. #116

    Spring is a great time to give your irrigation system a checkup to ensure it’s working efficiently.

26. #117

    Pruning properly can help your plants use water more efficiently.

1. #118

   Use a pool cover to help keep your pool clean, reduce chemical use and prevent water loss through evaporation.

2. #119

   Make sure your swimming pools, fountains and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.

3. #120

   If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.

4. #121

   When back-washing your pool, consider using the water on salt-tolerant plants in the landscape.

5. #122

   Minimize or eliminate the use of waterfalls and sprays in your pool. Aeration increases evaporation.

6. #123

   Don’t overfill the pool. Lower water levels will reduce water loss due to splashing.

7. #124

   Keep water in the pool when playing, it will save water.

8. #125

   Instead of building a private pool, join a community pool.

9. #126

   Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those that spray water into the air.

10. #127

    Use a grease pencil to conduct a bucket test to check for pool leaks. An unnatural water level drop may indicate a leak.

1. #52

   Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

2. #56

   We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses.

3. #128

   Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.

4. #129

   For more immediate hot water and energy savings, insulate hot water pipes.

5. #130

   Use a commercial car wash that recycles water. Or, wash your car on the lawn, and you’ll water your grass at the same time.

6. #131

   Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.

7. #132

   Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs water.

8. #133

   When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your non-edible plants.

9. #134

   When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

10. #135

    Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways, and save water every time.

11. #136

    Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance check. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.

12. #137

    If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to plants in your landscape.

13. #138

    Set water softeners for a minimum number of refills to save both water and chemicals, plus energy, too.

14. #139

    If you have an evaporative cooler, install a recirculating pump to keep water from bleeding off with one pass.

15. #140

    Report broken pipes, leaky hydrants and errant sprinklers to property owners or your local water provider.

16. #141

    Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. Were a pipe to burst, this could save gallons of water and prevent damage.

17. #142

    Install a thermostat and timer on your evaporative cooler so it only operates when necessary.

Kids Tips

1. #1

   There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.

2. #2

   When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill one basin with wash water and the other with rinse water.

3. #5

   Designate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

4. #8

   Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

5. #11

   Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

6. #15

   If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.

7. #18

   When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.

8. #19

   Washing dark clothes in cold water saves water and energy, and helps your clothes retain their color.

9. #24

   Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

10. #25

    Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You’ll save up to 1,000 gallons per month.

11. #32

    Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s up to 200 gallons a week for a family of four.

12. #36

    Turn off the water while washing your hair and save up to 150 gallons a month.

13. #37

    When washing your hands, turn the water off while you lather.

14. #38

    Take 5-minute showers instead of baths. A full bathtub requires up to 70 gallons of water.

15. #40

    Drop tissues in the trash instead of flushing them and save water every time.

16. #44

    Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

17. #45

    Watch the Home Water Challenge video or use the Home Water Audit Calculator to see where you can save water.

18. #46

    When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it most.

19. #47

    Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.

20. #48

    Play fun games while learning how to save water!

21. #51

    Reward kids for the water-saving tips they follow.

22. #52

    Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.

23. #55

    Be a leak detective! Check all hoses, connectors, and faucets regularly for leaks.

24. #57

    See a leak you can’t fix? Tell a parent, teacher, employer, or property manager, or call a handyman.

25. #58

    At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

26. #59

    Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

27. #123

    Don’t overfill the pool. Lower water levels will reduce water loss due to splashing.

28. #124

    Keep water in the pool when playing, it will save water.

29. #131

    Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You’ll save up to 100 gallons every time.

30. #132

    Wash your pets outdoors, in an area of your lawn that needs water.

31. #133

    When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your non-edible plants.

32. #134

    When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.

33. #135

    Use a broom instead of a hose to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways, and save water every time.

Workplace Tips

1. #10

   Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.

2. #29

   Upgrade older toilets with water-saving WaterSense® labeled models.

3. #39

   Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

4. #41

   Look for WaterSense® labeled toilets, sink faucets, urinals and showerheads.

5. #54

   Hire a GreenPlumber® to help reduce your water, energy, and chemical use.

6. #57

   See a leak you can’t fix? Tell a parent, teacher, employer, or property manager, or call a handyman.

7. #59

   Make suggestions to your employer or school about ways to save water and money.

8. #143

   Some commercial refrigerators and ice-makers are cooled with water. Upgrade to air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

9. #144

   Post a hotline in bathrooms and kitchens to report leaks or water waste to facility managers or maintenance personnel.

10. #145

    Create a suggestion and incentives system at your organization to recognize water-saving ideas.

11. #146

    Include a water-saving tip in your employee newsletter. Find 100+ tips at wateruseitwisely.com.

12. #147

    Implement a water management plan for your facility, then educate employees on good water habits through newsletters and posters.

13. #148

    Publish your organization’s monthly water use to show progress toward water-saving goals.

14. #149

    Invite your water utility conservation staff to your organization for Earth Day and other environmental events to help promote water savings.

15. #150

    Water audit your facility to find out your recommended water use, then monitor your utility bills to gauge your monthly consumption.

16. #151

    Have maintenance personnel regularly check your facilities for leaks, drips and other water waste.

17. #152

    If you use processed water in your business or facility, look into water recycling.

18. #153

    Contact your water utility to see if rebates are available for purchasing water-efficient fixtures, equipment or for facility audits.

19. #154

    Consider and compare water use when purchasing ice makers, dishwashers, reverse osmosis units, coolers and cleaning equipment.

20. #155

    Become or appoint a water ambassador within your organization who creates, implements and maintains your water conservation program.

21. #156

    Become a proud WaterSense® partner and let all your customers know.

22. #157

    As part of the WaterSense® Fix-A-Leak Week in March, plan an employee campaign to look for leaks.

23. #158

    Determine how your on-site water is being used by installing sub-meters where feasible, then monitoring for savings.

24. #159

    Conduct a facility water use inventory and identify water management goals.

25. #160

    Don’t forget hidden water use costs, like energy for pumping, heating and cooling, chemical treatment, and damage and sewer expenses.

26. #161

    Show your company’s dedication to water conservation through a policy statement. Commit management, staff and resources to the effort.

27. #162

    Shut off water to unused areas of your facility to eliminate waste from leaks or unmonitored use.

28. #163

    Create a goal of how much water your company can save and plan a celebration once that goal is met.

29. #164

    Ask employees for suggestions on saving water and give prizes for the best ideas. Incentivize it!

30. #165

    Write feature articles on your employee website that highlight water-saving ideas and successes.

31. #166

    Test your co-workers or employees on topics like xeriscape, WaterSense®, and high-efficiency toilets. See how water-wise they are.

32. #167

    Hire a WaterSense® irrigation partner to help with your landscape.

33. #168

    Saving water on your landscape adds up quickly. Send the person in charge of your landscape to an irrigation workshop.

34. #169

    Marry the weather with your landscape water use. Water use should decrease during rainy periods and increase during hot, dry periods.

35. #170

    Visit your local Water Conservation office’s website to get information on programs available to businesses.

36. #171

    Make sure your contract plumber and/or maintenance personnel knows about GreenPlumbers®.

37. #172

    Ask your company to support water conservation events and education. ProjectWet hosts local events throughout the country.

38. #173

    Support Tap Into Quality and forgo those plastic water bottles to lower your carbon footprint.

39. #174

    Scrape dishes rather than rinsing them before washing.

40. #175

    Use water-conserving icemakers.

41. #176

    A recent study showed that 99% of business managers surveyed ranked water conservation as a “top five” priority over the next decade.

42. #177

    If your facility relies on cooling towers, have maintenance maximize cycles of concentration by providing efficient water treatment.

43. #178

    Be sure your irrigation system is watering only the areas intended, with no water running onto walks, streets or down the gutter.

44. #179

    While cleaning sidewalks, a hose and nozzle use 8-12 gallons of water per minute. A pressurized Waterbroom® uses closer to 3 gallons.

45. #180

    Inspect your landscape irrigation system regularly for leaks or broken sprinkler heads and adjust pressures to specification.

46. #181

    Give your landscape proper amounts of irrigation water. Determine water needs, water deeply but infrequently, and adjust to the season.

47. #182

    Establish a monthly water budget for your landscape based on the water needs of your plants.

48. #183

    Limit turf areas at your facility. Instead, landscape using xeriscape principles to cut water use in half.

49. #184

    Put decorative fountains on timers and use only during work or daylight hours. Check for leaks if you have automatic refilling devices.

50. #185

    Wash company vehicles at commercial car washers that recycle water.

51. #186

    Wash company vehicles as needed rather than on a schedule. Stretch out the time in between washes.

52. #187

    Consider turning your high-maintenance water feature/fountain into a low-maintenance art feature or planter.

53. #188

    When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy efficient.

54. #189

    Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.

55. #190

    When ice cubes are leftover from your drink, don’t throw them out. Pour them on a plant.