Dos and Don'ts of Water Conservation

• View a printable list of dos and don'ts (PDF)
• En español: Los "sí" y los "no" de conservar agua (PDF)

Bathroom

Do take short showers and save 5 to 7 gallons a minute.

Do fill the tub halfway and save 10 to 15 gallons.

Do install water-saving toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators. Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you cant switch to a low-flow toilet.

Don't run the water while shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute.

Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket, and don't flush it unnecessarily.

Everywhere

Do repair leaky faucets and turn taps off tightly. A slow drip wastes 15 to 20 gallons each day.

Don't open fire hydrants.

Kitchen & Laundry

Do run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save even more by using the short cycle.

Do install faucet aerators.

Don't let the water run while washing dishes. Kitchen faucets use 2 to 3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.

Don't run water to make it cold. Have it chilled in the refrigerator, ready to drink.

Outdoors

Do use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.

Don't water your sidewalk or driveway -- instead, sweep them clean.

Don't overwater your lawn or plants. Water before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m.

Print out the Do's and Don'ts of Water Conservation (PDF) and post them where everyone in your building or household can see it.