15 Easy Ways to Conserve Water at Home (and Save Money)

Conserving water is essential for a sustainable future, and it can also significantly lower your utility bills. Many of the most effective water-saving techniques are simple habits you can adopt today.

In the Bathroom

1. Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing your face.
2. Take shorter showers. Try to keep them under 5 minutes.
3. Install a low-flow showerhead.
4. Check for toilet leaks by adding a few drops of food coloring to the tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
5. Don’t use the toilet as a trash can. Every flush wastes gallons of water.

In the Kitchen

6. Only run the dishwasher when it’s completely full.
7. Scrape, don’t rinse, dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
8. Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run until it’s cold.
9. Thaw frozen food in the refrigerator overnight, not under running water.
10. Use a basin to wash fruits and vegetables rather than letting the water run.

Outdoors and Laundry

11. Wash only full loads of laundry.
12. Use a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
13. Water your lawn and garden early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce evaporation.
14. Use mulch around plants to help retain soil moisture.
15. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.

By incorporating these habits into your routine, you can make a substantial difference in your household’s water consumption.