Indoor Water Conservation

EPA WaterSense Partner for 15 Years Graphic

Here are some simple tips to use water efficiently and help protect our environment by conserving our most precious natural resource. You could even save a little money!  

  • Check for leaks. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds of gallons a week.  
  • Choose efficient WaterSense labeled products and use 20% less water. TVWD offers several rebates when you’re ready to upgrade. Click here for more information.
  • Locate your master shut-off valve. Shutting off your water supply can prevent flooding and property damage in an emergency.
In the Kitchen
  • Only run the dishwasher when it’s full.
  • Scrape dirty dishes instead of pre-rinsing.
  • Hand washing? Fill two sinks, one for washing the other for rinsing.
  • Garbage disposals are water hogs. Compost your food scraps instead.
  • Fill a bowl with water to wash fruits and vegetables.
  • Keep a pitcher of cold drinking water in the refrigerator.
In the Laundry Room
  • Only run full loads.
  • Match water level to load size with the load selector.
  • Wash in cold to save water and energy. Cold water also keeps clothes from fading.
In the Bathroom
  • Silent toilet tank leaks can waste hundreds of gallons each year. Check yours by placing toilet dye test tablets in the tank. After 10 minutes, if dye ends up in the bowl you likely have a leaking toilet flapper.
  • Take shorter showers.
    • Try the 10-gallon challenge: Most shower heads use about 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm). Can your household limit showers to 4 minutes each?
    • Install a WaterSense labeled shower head that uses 2.0 gpm and you get 5 minutes until you reach 10 gallons.
    • Install a shower head rated for 1.5 gpm and you get 6 minutes and 40 seconds until you reach 10 gallons.  
  • Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.
  • Fill the sink instead of running the faucet when shaving.
  • Remember that wipes clog pipes! Be sure to dispose of wipes, mop refills and paper towels in the trash can instead of the toilet.
Ready to upgrade? Let us help.

TVWD offers rebates and programs to help households upgrade toilets, fixtures and appliances. Check out our rebates here. Learn about the EPA’s WaterSense program and a find a list of  water-saving products to help you save.  

Want to discover more?

Check out these great  Indoor Conservation Tips from the Regional Water Providers Consortium.

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