Easy Steps Can Save Thousands of Gallons of Water

Kitchen and Laundry

Make sure the machines are full. Running your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full can save 1,000 gallons of water monthly.

A high-efficiency washer saves 10 to 20 gallons per load, depending on the brand and model.

Rinse produce under the faucet, catching the water in a bowl that you can toss on the grass or use on plants.

Bathe the dog on the lawn or in a tub of water you can use outdoors.

Instead of filling the kitchen sink with soapy water, fill a basin that you can later pour on plants to smother bad bugs; this works especially well on roses if you use something like Ivory liquid soap.

Compost kitchen scraps instead of putting them down a disposal, which uses gallons of water.

Assign glasses. Reduce the times you have to run your dishwasher by assigning drinking glasses each day to family members.

Keep cold water in the fridge so you don't have to run tap water to get it cool.

Microwave more. Cooking vegetables in the microwave requires less water than steaming them on top of the stove. If you steam vegetables on the stove, steam several together, such as potatoes, carrots and onions or broccoli, cauliflower and carrots.

Frozen stuff counts. Emptying your ice bin often is good for the fridge's working parts; melt that ice and use it on plants, or throw the cubes in the grass.

It's healthier and safer to thaw frozen foods in the fridge than under running water.

Bathroom and Beyond

Combine chores. Brush your teeth, wash your hair and shave in the shower to conserve sink water. While waiting for shower water to warm, you can catch cool water in a bucket you use on houseplants.