Water Conservation

Why Conserve?

Conserving water can significantly lower your water bill and is critical to a healthy and clean environment. Fish, trees and animals depend on wise use of our limited water supplies.

Kitchen

• Only run the dishwasher when it is full
• Fill a sink to hand-wash dishes rather than washing under a running faucet
• Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge to eliminate letting the tap run to cool the water
• Clean vegetables in a pan of water and not under a running faucet

Bathroom

• Check toilets for leaks with food coloring
• Install low-flow toilets or use a plastic bottle to displace water
• Check faucets for leaks – a small leak can waste 20 or more gallons per day
• Don’t run the faucet while brushing your teeth
• Install water-efficient shower heads
• Don’t use the toilet for a garbage can or ash tray

Outdoors

• Water lawns and gardens only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation
• Water only when needed
• Use draught tolerant landscaping
• Place a 2” to 4” layer of mulch around plants and trees to avoid excess evaporation
• Clean walkways and driveways with a broom rather than with a hose
• Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing cars
• Keep sprinkler system in good repair
• Use rain barrels to collect rain for landscape watering.

Laundry

• Pre-rinse clothes only when necessary
• Only wash full-size loads
• Install an energy efficient water saving clothes washer and receive a $50 rebate

Leaks

• See Leaks page
• See form Application for Leak Adjustment Credit

Related Topics

• Water Use Efficiency (DOH)
• Seattle Public Utilities
• Saving Water Partnership
• Tips for conserving and protecting water resources and sewer systems (King County)