Saving water isn’t just about lowering your utility bills; it’s about protecting our water resources and ensuring a reliable water supply for future generations. Practicing smart water conservation at home can make a big difference, especially during periods of drought or high demand. From the bathroom to the backyard, there are practical ways to save water at home without sacrificing comfort.
Below are 12 proven tips to help you reduce waste, lower costs, and make your household more eco-friendly.
How You Can Save Water in the Bathroom
The place where the most water gets used is your bathroom, so any conservation steps you take will have to start there. Some changes take more effort, but even minor adjustments can make a noticeable difference on your water bill. So here are some water conservation tips you can implement in your bathroom today!
1. Take Shorter Showers and Upgrade Your Showerhead
Showers use less water than baths, but the savings depend on your habits. The EPA estimates that choosing a shower over a tub can save up to 60 gallons per use. Installing a low-flow, high-efficiency showerhead (with a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less) can reduce your water usage by half.
Bonus Tip: Place a bucket under the faucet while waiting for the water to warm up, then reuse it for landscaping or to water plants. In winter, insulate hot water pipes to heat water faster and reduce waste.
2. Install a Dual-Flush or High-Efficiency Toilet
Toilets account for nearly 30% of indoor water use. Replacing older toilets with dual-flush or high-efficiency models can save thousands of gallons of water each year. With a dual-flush system, you can use 0.9 gallons for liquid waste and 1.6 gallons for solids.
Did You Know? Leaky flappers are one of the biggest culprits of wasted water. Add a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak that needs to be fixed.
3. Turn Off the Tap While Brushing or Hand Washing
Running water while brushing your teeth or washing your hands can waste up to 4 gallons each time. Simply turning off the tap while lathering can save hundreds of gallons per month.
Pro Tip: Install faucet aerators, which reduce flow without sacrificing water pressure.
How You Can Save Water in the Kitchen
The kitchen is often at the center of home maintenance, and water conservation efforts made here can significantly impact overall household consumption. Consider these kitchen water-saving tips:
4. Use the Dishwasher Efficiently
Modern dishwashers use far less water than washing dishes by hand, especially when running full loads. If you’re washing dishes by hand, use a basin to wash and another to rinse instead of leaving the faucet running.
Upgrade Idea: Look for ENERGY STAR–certified appliances that are both energy- and water-efficient. Some even qualify for rebates through local utility companies.
5. Scrape, Don’t Rinse, Before Using the Garbage Disposal
Instead of rinsing plates under running water, scrape food scraps into the trash or compost bin. Garbage disposals require continuous water to operate, which can quickly add up to gallons of water.
This simple step not only saves water but also reduces strain on your plumbing and septic system.
6. Keep Cold Drinking Water in the Refrigerator
Instead of running the faucet, keep a pitcher of tap water in the fridge for instant cold water. You’ll always have chilled water readily available for drinking, eliminating unnecessary waste.
How You Can Save Water From Leaks
Even small leaks can have a significant impact on your household’s water usage. A faucet that drips slowly or a toilet that runs continuously can waste thousands of gallons each year, driving up your utility bills without you even realizing it.
7. Fix Leaks Promptly
Addressing leaks promptly not only conserves valuable water resources but also protects your plumbing system from more significant problems down the line. A dripping faucet can waste up to 3,000 gallons per year, and a running toilet can waste even more. Be proactive about fixing leaks in faucets, toilets, and showerheads.
Smart Solution: Leak-detection systems, such as Moen Flo or WaterSense, can alert you to hidden leaks before they increase your utility bills.
How You Can Save Water Around Your Yard
Your yard can be one of the most significant sources of water waste if it isn’t managed wisely. Outdoor water use often spikes during the warmer months, especially when lawns, gardens, and landscaping require extra care. By making thoughtful choices and adjusting your habits, you can maintain a healthy yard while conserving water and reducing monthly expenses.
8. Reuse Rainwater for Landscaping
Set up a rain barrel to collect runoff from your roof or driveway. You can then reuse this water for gardening, lawns, or other outdoor water needs, rather than running your sprinklers and irrigation systems.
This practice reduces demand on the municipal water supply and helps during dry spells.
9. Choose Drought-Resistant Landscaping
When updating your yard, use drought-tolerant and native plants that naturally require less water. Mulching around plants also helps retain moisture, reducing the need for overwatering.
Smart Watering Tip: Water lawns in the early morning to minimize evaporation and to conserve water.
10. Clean Outdoor Surfaces Without a Hose
Instead of spraying down driveways, patios, and sidewalks, sweep with a broom or use a leaf blower. Pressure washing should be reserved only for deep cleaning needs, not routine maintenance.
Seasonal Water-Saving Tips for Winter
Cold weather changes the way households use water, and winter often brings unique challenges. While irrigation needs decrease outdoors, indoor usage typically increases due to heating demands, holiday gatherings, and extra laundry. Taking a few proactive steps can help you conserve water, avoid costly damage, and keep your home running efficiently through the colder months.
11. Save Water During the Winter Months
While you may not be watering your lawn in colder months, indoor use often rises. Upgrade to a tankless water heater or install a recirculating system to prevent wasting water while waiting for it to warm.
Also, insulate plumbing and maintain your furnace to prevent frozen pipes. Burst pipes are one of the most costly ways to lose water. During the holidays, be mindful of longer showers, extra cooking, and laundry, as these activities all increase usage.
To reduce excess water usage, always wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine or dishwasher. This simple habit maximizes efficiency and helps reduce both water and energy waste. For long-term savings and reduced utility bills, consider upgrading to high-efficiency washers and dishwashers. Local utilities may even offer rebates for such upgrades (see Tip #12).
12. Take Advantage of Rebates and Incentives
Contact your local water provider to learn about available programs that promote sustainable water conservation at home. Many cities and utilities offer rebates for installing high-efficiency toilets, low-flow showerheads, and appliances. These incentives not only lower the cost of upgrades but also provide long-term savings on your utility bills.
Call the Experts
From fixing leaks to upgrading appliances, every step you take toward water conservation at home makes a difference. If you need professional help to conserve water at home, repair a fixture, or select efficient plumbing solutions, the experts at A-1 Sewer & Septic Service, Inc. are here to assist you.
Our Kansas City plumbers bring more than four decades of experience to every job. Call today to schedule your service and start protecting both your wallet and our precious water resources.