Showers & Faucets

Water Conservation Tips
Showers & Faucets
  • The third highest use of indoor water is bathing, and because most of us like to use warm water when we bathe, it is also the second highest use of energy in the home.
  • Take a quick shower rather than a bath and save an average of 20 gallons (76 liters) of water.
  • Install a water-efficient showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons (9.5 liters) per minute. (Replace an existing shower head if a one gallon bucket placed under the flow takes less than 20 seconds to fill.)
  • Install aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets to reduce indoor water use by as much as 4%.
  • Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving and save more than 5 gallons (19 liters) per day.
  • Clean vegetables in a sink or pan partially filled with water rather than running water from the tap. Re-use the water that vegetables are washed in for watering houseplants or for cleaning.
  • If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of under running water.
  • Instead of waiting for tap water to get cold enough for drinking, keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator.
  • Whenever possible, compost food scraps or dispose of them in the garbage rather than using the garbage disposal which requires a high level of water for operation.