Indoor Water
Saving Tips

  1. Look for the WaterSense label.

    Another way to achieve a bundle of savings for you and the environment – just look for the WaterSense label when replacing old or worn-out fixtures or appliances. WaterSense makes it easy for you to select products that use less water, yet perform as well or better than conventional models. That’s because these products are put to the test before they make the cut. In fact, fixtures like bathroom faucets and toilets with the WaterSense label are designed to be 20 percent more efficient than their counterparts.

  2. Test your toilet for leaks.

    Leaky toilets can waste hundreds of gallons per week. Fixing those leaks is usually as simple as replacing the toilet flapper.


    1. Remove the tank lid. Drop a dye tablet or add 10 drops of food coloring to the tank.
    2. Put the lid back on. Don’t flush yet.
    3. Wait at least 10–15 minutes. If colored water appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
    4. Be sure to flush once the verdict is known, to avoid staining the inside of the tank.

  3. Use your water meter to find out if you’re losing water to leaks.

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted each year, which adds up to the volume of water needed to wash about 270 loads of laundry.

  4. Here’s what you can do to see if your house has a leak.

    1. To determine if you have a leak, please allow for 30–60 minutes during which time no water should be used on the property.
    2. Find your water meter, usually located in the front of the house near the street.
    3. Remove the lid and write down the numbers indicated on the meter at the start of the test. 
    4. Return to check the meter reading after 30–60 minutes have passed.
    5. If the numbers haven’t changed, you do not have a leak. You’re done.
    6. If the numbers have changed, close the shutoff valves under all toilets in the house, and repeat steps 1–4. 
    7. If the numbers have not changed after shutting off the toilet valves, you may have a running toilet that should be serviced.

Additional ways to save water:

  • Wash only full loads of clothes and dishes – this saves water and energy.
  • When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running while you wash. Fill the second side of the sink with rinse water instead. Besides, you’re fighting a losing battle when you compare washing those dinner dishes by hand (16–25 gallons) with today’s energy-efficient dishwashers (4–7 gallons).  

  • Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving. You knew this one was coming, didn’t you?