What can I do to conserve water in the kitchen and while doing laundry?
Purchase newer, water-saving models of washing machines and dishwasher. They should not be any more expensive that conventional models and they can reduce the water usage by 25-30%.
Wash only full loads of clothes or dishes.
How can I change my bathroom habits to conserve water?
Take a shower instead of a bath
Install a low-flow showerhead – it saves about one-half the amount of water currently being used. It’s the single most effective conservation step that can be taken inside the home.
Don’t over use water when brushing your teeth.
Consider installing a low-flow faucet aerator in your lavatory.
“Conservation: Saving Water Inside the Home.” The brochure was released by the Texas Water Development Board, PO Box 13231, Austin, TX 78711-3231.
How much water does my toilet require for each flush?
Toilets prior to the 1980’s
5-7 gallons per flush
80’s-early 90’s
3.5 gallons per flush
1992 in Texas (1994 nationally)
A law required that new toilets use 1.6 gallons or less of water per flush.
“Conservation: Saving Water Inside the Home.” The brochure was released by the Texas Water Development Board, PO Box 13231, Austin, TX 78711-3231.
I
have an older toilet. Can I still conserve water?
In the older models you can conserve water by installing a displacement device such as a toilet dam, plastic bottle or bag (Do not use a brick-it can crumble and damage the fixture). These devices can save up to 20 % in most fixtures but may not work as well in the 3.5 gallon models.
Regardless of the type of toilet, make sure you use it with the least amount of water possible.
What are some other in-home conservation tips?
Insulate hot water pipes where possible. Pipe insulation is inexpensive and easy to install.
Be sure the water heater thermostat is not set to high. Setting higher than 125° F waste energy. However, if you have a dishwasher, 140 F is required to clean dishes effectively.
“Conservation: Saving Water
Inside the Home.” The brochure was released by the Texas Water Development
Board, PO Box 13231, Austin, TX 78711-3231.