More than 10% of all water used in the home is used in the washing machine. An automatic clothes washer, at full cycle and highest water level, uses 30-35 gallons of water. The dishwasher is also a potential heavy user, requiring 25 gallons for a full cycle. Dishwashing with the tap running takes five gallons per minute – approximately 30 gallons per average washing.

Here are some tips for saving water in your kitchen and laundry:

1. Instead of running water continuously, fill wash and rinse basins with water.
2. Run only full loads in the dishwasher. Avoid using the extra cycle.
3. Chill drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
4. Use your garbage disposal sparingly, using a garbage can for most kitchen waste.
5. Wash only full loads of clothes on the short cycle in your washing machine.
6. Check faucets and hose connections for leaks. Repair or replace whenever necessary.

           1.  Do not over-water plants and lawns.
               Avoid water runoff into streets and gutters.

          2.  For best results, try morning watering.
               Evaporation loss is at a minimum.  

          3.  Avoid washing down paved areas.
                Sweep driveway and sidewalks in garden cleanup.

          4.  When washing the car…
                Use a bucket of water. Use the hose only to rinse.

          5.  Repair faucet leaks.
               As much as 15 gallons of water can be lost each day with a slow drip.

          6.  Avoid toilet water waste.
                Do not use toilet as a trash disposal.

          7.  Don’t fall asleep in the shower.
                An extra five minutes in the shower could mean another 50 gallons down the drain. Use a moderate stream.

          8.  The automatic dishwasher – use it wisely.
                Half loads cheat you out of full water use.

          9.  Watch those laundry loads, too.
                Some 50 gallons of water can be used to wash a load of clothes. Make every load count.

         10.  Avoid the running faucet.
                 Don’t run water continuously while shaving, brushing teeth, peeling vegetables, or washing dishes.