Beginner's Guide to Save Water

Simple Ways to Save Water in the Home

Water is a resource that is essential to everyday living. Many people take water for granted until they receive their water bill. Receiving a high water bill can be frustrating. Using this guide will help save water usage in the home.

Save Water # 1: Turn Off Automatic Ice Makers

Many people leave the automatic ice maker running all the time. The majority of households do not need a full ice bin in order to have continuous cold drinks. The ice in the bottom of the ice bin often sticks together or becomes freezer burned. Allow the ice maker to completely fill with ice. Turn the ice maker off until the majority of the ice has been used. People will often use less ice when the ice maker is not completely filled. The less ice being made and used will save water for the household.

Save Water #2: Use Sink for Rinse Water

Save water by having a clean, sanitary sink for rinse water. Use the sink of rinse water to remove soap from dishes instead of rinsing individually under running water. Depending on the amount of dishes being rinsed, fill the sink only one fourth to one half full.

Save Water #3: Use the Light Wash Setting on Dishwasher

Save water by using the light wash setting on the dishwasher. If dishes have been scraped or even soaked the light wash setting on the dishwasher will get all of the dishes clean and use less water then the other settings.

Another way to save water with dishwashers is to make sure the dishwasher is full. If not many dishes are being used, it is not necessary to run the dishwasher daily. Whenever possible, hand wash dishes with a sink of soapy water and sink for rinsing. Hand washing dishes saves a great deal of water.

Save Water #4: Lower the Water Level of Toilet

If the toilet has the floating ball, bend the arm to lower the floating the ball. For other toilets, use a screwdriver to adjust the water level mechanism. Lower water levels will save water and still have the toilet flush properly.

Place a brick or an empty plastic container in the toilet tank. Either of these will save water by displacing the amount of water that is in the tank. If a plastic container is used, empty the water monthly.

Save Water #5: Flush Less Often