Water Conservation Tips & Tricks

Water conservation is easy. You just need to think about it at first. After a few weeks of practicing the new habits here, your water routine should be very green. And it could save thousands of gallons of water each month.

In the Kitchen

A lot of kids have kitchen chores. If that's you, try these the next time you're on duty:

• Scrape dishes instead of rinsing. Most dishwashers can handle the little bit of extra dirt.
• Only run the dishwasher when it is full.
• If you wash dishes by hand, do it in two totally separate steps. First, fill the sink or a large pan with soapy water. Use that for the scrubbing. After everything has been scrubbed, empty the soapy water and rinse everything in one step.
• If you're in charge of food prep like salad, gathering everything first. Place it in a big bowl, and then rinse. 

After School

A simple change in your routine can make a big difference.

• If you have leftover water (hopefully in your reusable bottle), don't just pour it out. Pop it in the refrigerator so that you have nice cold water to drink later in the evening. You can even use it to brush your teeth.
• When you empty that bottle at the end of the day, pour it into a houseplant or on the plants outside. Don't just waste it down the drain.
• When having fun inside or outside, remember that water is not a toy. It's a precious resource. Please do not spray it just for fun.

In the Bathroom

Here's where you can save gallons and gallons of water every day.

• Take a shower instead of a bath, it saves 30 gallons of water.
• Time yourself while taking a shower! Taking a shower in under five minutes can save up to 1,000 gallons of water a month.
• Turing off the water while brushing your teeth or washing your face can save 4 gallons per minute.
• Do not use the toilet as a trash can for tissues or other products. It's not good for the pipes and it's unnecessary flushing.

Around Your Home

• If you help out with the laundry try to run full loads, instead of several small loads. Running the washing machine on a full load can save 1,000 gallons of water per month.
• Wash your family pet outside in a landscaped area that needs water instead of the tub. A gentle shampoo won't hurt the plants.
• When helping with washing cars, bikes, or boats, use sponges and buckets to start, and then use the hose only at the end.