Water Conservation

Dos and Don'ts of Water Conservation

Courtesy of NYC Dept. of Environmental Protection

Bathroom

• Do take short showers and save 5 to 7 gallons a minute.
• Do fill the tub halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.
• Do install water-saving toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators. Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you cant switch to a low-flow toilet.
• Don't run the water while shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute.
• Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket, and don't flush it unnecessarily.

Everywhere

• Do repair leaky faucets and turn taps off tightly. A slow drip wastes 15 to 20 gallons each day.
• Don't open fire hydrants.

Kitchen & Laundry

• Do run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save even more by using the short cycle.
• Do install faucet aerators.
• Don't let the water run while washing dishes. Kitchen faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.
• Don't run water to make it cold. Have it chilled in the refrigerator, ready to drink.

Print out the Do's and Don'ts of Water Conservation and post them where everyone in your household can see it.