Indoor and Outdoor Water Saving Tips

Approximately only 3 percent of the earth’s water is fresh, and less than 1 percent is available for human consumption. With growing populations causing a continual rise in water demands, using less water and using it wisely has never been more important. The water issue is local as well as global; by implementing a few simple practices you can significantly reduce your water consumption and help to conserve one of your most precious natural resources.

Indoor Water Saving Tips

Replace older toilets with high efficiency ones.
Have showers instead of baths.
Install showerheads that use no more than 2.5 gallons of water per minute.
When you shower, first wet your body, then turn off the water as you apply soap. Then turn on the water to rinse the soap off again.
Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth, use water only to rinse and gargle.
Wash your fruits and vegetables in a bowl of water rather than under a running tap.
Fix leaky faucets in your kitchen and bathroom.
Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full.

Photo by shaferlens. watersaving showerhead

Showerhead

Outdoor Water Saving Tips

When you water your yard, use more water to go deeper each time so that you do not have to water the yard as often.
Use drip irrigation in your backyard if possible.
Select plants that adapt to a Mediterranean climate.
Apply mulch to gardens to maintain moisture in the soil.
Adjust your sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.