We know water is linked to energy because it takes energy to make water (by burning oil). Therefore, by conserving water you are addressing and improving two important environmental concerns.

Sinks & Faucets

• Fix dripping faucets and you can save 140 gallons of water a week. Even with a slow drip, dripping faucets can waste approximately 200-300 gallons of water a month. Be sure to check and repair all faucets, indoor and outdoor.
• Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets. One to two gallons of water a minute can be saved by attaching an aerator to the end of a faucet spout.
• When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.

• When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while washing or rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water. Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.

Shower

• You can use up to 50 gallons of water in the shower if not careful. Cut your use down to 10 gallons of water by taking an energy-saving shower: simply wet your body, shut off the water, soap up and then rinse off.
• Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Use a low-flow showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install and can save your family more than 500 gallons of water per week.
• Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
• Take short showers instead of baths.

Toilets

• Flushing accounts for 1/3 of home water use. Toilets with a bulb-flush mechanism can leak water and also waste the electricity needed to pump water from cisterns. Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
• If you are unable to upgrade your toilet and it was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank. Bricks or a plastic bottle filled with rocks will work great (be sure to not interfere with the flushing mechanism) and will save you 1-3 gallons of water per flush.
• Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.

Appliances

• Invest in appliances that have the Energy Star label. Compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
• Run the washer only when it is full and always use the cold water setting.
• Line dry clothes instead of using the dryer.
• Always comply with 2 criteria when using a dishwasher – run only when full and do not rinse the dishes before putting them in the dishwasher.
• Air dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.