Indoor Tips

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In the Kitchen

Use a Dishwasher

Dishwashers typically use less water than washing dishes by hand. Choose an Energy Star dishwasher and save even more water and energy.

Daily Container

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

Soak dishes

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

Compost waste

Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost appropriate vegetable food waste for your garden and save water.

Thawing food

Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator or use a microwave.

When to use Dishwasher

Run your dishwasher only when it’s full.

Collect water

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

In the Bathroom

Toilet leaks

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

HAND WASHING

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

aerators

Install water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.

Brushing teeth

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save up to 200 gallons a month.

Plug sink to Shave

Plug the sink instead of running the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.

shorter Showers

A 10-minute shower can use up to 25 gallons of water. Cut that in half with 5-minute showers.

Washing hair

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

showerheads

Save up to a gallon per minute by using a water efficient showerhead (WaterSense®)

Bathing

Taking a bath? Plug the bathtub before turning on the water and adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

toilets

If you have an older toilet, replace it with a water efficient model (WaterSense®).

Doing Laundry

water levels

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

Energy Star

An Energy Star labeled washing machine uses 25% less energy and 45% less water.

Washing clothes

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

Other Indoor Tips

swamp coolers

Wait until it's hot to turn on your swamp coolers or better yet, switch to a refrigerated unit to save water.

Protect pipes

Protect your pipes from freezing temperatures. If a pipe breaks, turn off your water at the meter and call a licensed plumber to begin repairs.

Teach children

Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.

reuse towels

Whether at home or staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

Monitor bill

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

Leaks

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

GreenPlumber®

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

More ideas?

Watch videos on how to conserve water.
Look for dozens of other water conservation tips on EPA’s Water Sense page.
Watch the Home Water Challenge video.
Use our Water Calculation Sheet (english pdf) (spanish pdf)to see how much water everyday fixtures use in your home.
Use the Home Water Audit Calculator to see where you can save water.

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