For every room in the house with plumbing
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Repair all water leaks immediately and be especially alert for leaks in toilets and faucets.
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Consider replacing old equipment (like toilets, dishwashers and laundry machines).
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Install and maintain flow restrictors (aerators) on faucets.
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While waiting for running water to warm or cool for use on plants or in cleaning, capture flow for other uses.
In the kitchen
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When cooking, peel and clean vegetables in a large bowl of water instead of under running water.
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Fill your sink or basin when washing and rinsing dishes.
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Only run the dishwasher when it's full.
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When buying a dishwasher, select one with a "light-wash" option.
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Only use the garbage disposal when necessary. Buy a drain screen and empty food waste in garbage.
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Install faucet aerators. Composting is a great alternative also.
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Scrape food from dishes without water prior to rinsing.
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Operate the dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
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Rather than running the tap for cool drinking water, keep a filled container in the refrigerator
In the bathroom
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Take short showers (5 minutes) instead of baths. Or consider turning off shower while soaping and/or washing hair
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Turn off the water to brush teeth, shave and soap up in the shower. Fill the sink to shave.
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Repair leaky toilets. Add 12 drops of food coloring into the tank, and if color appears in the bowl one hour later, your toilet is leaking.
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Install a toilet dam, faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads.
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Do not use toilets as wastebaskets or ashtrays.
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Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth.
Laundry
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Run full loads of laundry. Set water level to match clothes amount.
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When purchasing a new washing machine, buy a water saving model that can be adjusted to the load size.
Information compiled from:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Water Conservation
University of Massachusetts Amherst: UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program