Water Saving Tips: Bathrooms and Laundry
By: KFDX
Updated: January 14, 2013
Bathrooms
Bathroom water use accounts for 75% of water used in the home. These water saving tips will also save you money.
If the shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model or install an aeration filter in the showerhead. These changes can save up to 750 gallons of water a month.
Shortening shower time by one to two minutes can save up to 150 gallons of water per month.
Showers generally use less water than baths. To compare the difference prepare a bath and note the final water level before you enter the bathtub. The next day plug the drain and take a shower. Exit the tub when you are done and compare the water level of the shower to the bath.
Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
Brushing your teeth without the water running saves 25 gallons a month.
If the toilet flapper doesn't seal completely after flushing, replace it. A leaking flapper can cost from $50-$500.00 a year in wasted water. A new flapper is only $3-$10.00.
If a toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
Save water and time by brushing your teeth while in the shower.
Use towels more than once. Hang them up to dry and use them again rather than throwing them in the wash.
Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
When washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
Don't use the toilet to get rid of trash. This wastes water and increases the work load at the wastewater treatment plant.
Laundry
Of total household water use the washing machine, accounts for approximately 14%.
Run the washing machine only when it is full. This can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
When buying a new washer choose one that is significantly more water and energy efficient than the minimum government standards. Also, make sure the washer has adequate wash cycle size adjustments to ensure the most efficient use of water.
Washing dark clothes in cold water saves on water and energy while it helping clothes to keep their colors.
Get more information about water conservation tips here: http://tx-wichitafalls.civicplus.com/index.aspx?NID=466
