Water Waste Prevention

• A "running" toilet can waste two gallons of water per minute. A silent leak in a toilet can waste up to 7,000 gallons of water per month. To find silent leaks, put food coloring in the tank. Do not flush. Check the toilet bowl ten minutes later. If you see color in the bowl, the tank has a silent leak.  Toilet leaks are typically caused by either a worn out flapper valve or a fill valve that doesn't completely shut off when the tank is full.  The flapper valve is the stopper in the bottom of the tank that lifts up when you push the flush handle and is the most likely culprit.  Solution:  replace your flapper. First shut off the water at the toilet, not at the house line.  Next, remove the worn flapper and purchasing a comparable replacement part.  Ask your hardware retailer for assistance with finding the correct replacement flapper valve.
• A faucet leaking a slow steady drip - 100 drops per minute - wastes 350 gallons per month. A faucet leaking a small stream wastes 2,000 to 2,700 gallons of water per month.  Replacing worn washers in your faucets will usually stop leaks.  For more information on how much water a leaking faucet waste, check the Drip Accumulator.
• Look for hidden leaks. Turn off all running water in the house. Check the reading on your water meter. Don't use any water for 30 minutes, then read the meter. If it shows water used, then you have a hidden leak that needs repair.
• When running water in the sink or tub while waiting for it to get hot, put a gallon jug under the faucet. You can then use this water for other things around the house.  Don't turn on the water and walk away waiting for it to warm up.  You may not get back to it before hot water is wasted and can end up increasing both your water and energy bills.  Insulate hot water pipes where possible to minimize water waste while waiting for the hot water to arrive.
• While brushing your teeth, turn off the tap. Rinse using a cup for water; run the tap only to rinse the toothbrush.
• When showering and washing hands, wet your body. Turn off the water, apply soap, and then turn on the water to rinse.
• When washing dishes by hand, instead of running water to rinse dishes, fill the kitchen sink and dip dishes in water to rinse.  Automatic dishwashers are more efficient than hand washing dishes.  Most dishwashers do not require pre-rinsing dishes by hand.  Scrape solid food waste off dishes preferably into a composting container, and wash full loads.
• Fill the sink or a bowl with water to wash fruits and vegetables.
• Keep a container of water in the refrigerator rather than running tap water for a cool drink.

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