- WaterSense
- Our Water
- What You Can Do
- Be the Change
Be the Change
Everyone can play their part in preserving our nation's water resources. With the simple steps and informational tools below, you'll find that it's easier than ever.
Indoors
You've purchased some WaterSense labeled products and started down the road to savings, but don't stop there. There are lots of things you can do in your own home to reduce water use and get more from less. Just follow our simple tips below to get started!
Here, there, and everywhere:
- Fix a Leak: Did you know that an American home can waste, on average, more than 10,000 gallons of water every year due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks? That's why WaterSense reminds Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems each year in March during Fix a Leak Week.
In the bathroom—where over half of all water use inside a home takes place:
- Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.
- Showers use less water than baths, as long as you keep an eye on how long you've been lathering up!
In the kitchen- whip up a batch of big water savings:
- Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.
- Use a dishwasher; and when you do, make sure it's fully loaded!
- While you're at it, scrape that plate instead of rinsing before loading it into the dishwasher.
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of hot water.
- Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.
In the laundry room—where you can be clean AND green:
- Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
Outdoors
Of the estimated 29 billion gallons of water used daily by households in the United States, nearly 7 billion gallons, or 30 percent, is devoted to outdoor water use. In the hot summer months, or in dry climates, a household's outdoor water use can be as high as 70 percent.
In the yard—be beautiful and efficient:
- Follow these simple steps to create a water-saving landscape that you can be proud of.
- Visit these listings of native or regionally-appropriate plants.
- Take a look at the WaterSense Landscape Photo Gallery to see examples of beautiful, water-saving landscapes from across the country. Once you've got your ideal water-efficient garden planted, our tips on watering wisely will help you keep it looking great without draining the nearby lake.
Other outdoor uses—drop that hose and keep it covered:
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
- Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
- If you have a pool, use a cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
Take the Pledge, Be for Water
Join thousands of your friends and neighbors in pledging to reduce your water use. Then, follow WaterSense on Facebook
and Twitterand help spread the word yourself. Every person counts! Be for Water!
Use this simple calculator to estimate how much water, energy, and money you can save by installing WaterSense labeled products in your home or apartment building.
For everything, there is a season...
...to be more water efficient! During the course of the year, our daily activities will change and so will our water use. Here's your "to-do" for savings this season! Click on the image to the right or the images below to learn more helpful hints for being water-efficient all year round.
*Copyright Eric Vance 2010, All Rights Reserved. Reproduction rights granted to USEPA
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