Sinks and Showers

Check for leaks in faucets and shower heads

One drip every second can add up to 5 gallons per day. Most often, this leak is just a worn gasket, which is inexpensive and easy to replace.

Install low-flow shower heads

If your shower fills a 1-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the shower head with a low-flow WaterSense® model. Installation is easy and a WaterSense® model showerhead can easily be found at your local hardware store. A low-flow showerhead could save an estimated 2.5 gallons per shower or 75 gallons a month.

Install aerators in all of your bathroom faucets

Aerators increase the force of water while using half as much water.

Shorten your shower to 5 minutes — or even by a minute or two

A 5-minute shower with a low-flow shower head uses only 12 gallons of water. While a 10-minute shower with an old showerhead can use as much as 40 gallons.

Take fewer baths

Or, only fill the tub half full. A bathtub can use up to 70 gallons of water.

Plug the bathtub when running a bath

Plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.

Collect your shower water

While waiting for the shower to warm up, try collecting the cold water in a bucket to water plants.

Insulate your hot water pipes

This can shorten the wait for hot water, and save energy too.

Turn it off

You can save 4 to 8 gallons of water each day by turning off the tap while lathering your hands, shaving or brushing your teeth. For a shave, plug the sink with a bit of water for rinsing.