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1. Only Run Full Loads
Make sure that you run full loads in your dishwasher and washer. This will cost you nothing, and you will save on your water and electricity bill. If you have to do a smaller load of laundry, make sure you change the water level on the washer. Also, don't use the permanent press mode on your washer. Did you know that this uses a lot more water? It has an extra rinse cycle. I just realized this recently.
2. Turn Your Faucet Off
When you brush your teeth, don't leave the water running. I have to admit this is a pet peeve for me. I've had a hard time getting my family to break this habit. Also, make sure you don't leave the water running when you wash dishes by hand. Fill your sink (not to the top) with soapy water. Wash all dishes, then rinse them all at the same time. If you have a double sink, you can fill that sink partially with rinse water.
3. Use a Rain Barrel
Buy a rain barrel or make your own. You can find directions online on how to make a rain barrel, check out Pinterest. You can use this water to water your garden, water your houseplants, wash your car, and much more. If you are lucky, you might be able to get one from the city or water plant. I got ours from our city as part of a pilot program. I love it.
4. Reuse Your Water
When I find glasses around the house with water in them, instead of pouring the water down the drain. I use it for the dogs' water bowls or to water my houseplants. You can also use your rinse water for your plants.
5. Save Money in the Shower
First of all, take shorter showers. This also implies that you should take a shower instead of a bath. By taking a shower over a bath, you can save 100's of gallons a month. You could even turn the water off while you wash your hair.
See about installing a low flow showerhead. These are pretty inexpensive and you can install it easily. Again this small change can save 1000's of gallons of water.
6. Wrap Your Water Pipes
I know you are thinking this will save money on your electricity but not on your water bill. Well, you are wrong. By wrapping your pipes with insulation, you can save water. You won't have to run your water as long waiting for the hot water.
7. Get a Low Flow Toilet
When it comes time to get a new toilet, get a low flow one. Of course, you could always get one sooner, too.
Even if you do not get a new one you can always use one of the old tricks of putting something like a brick or a bottle full of water in the toilet tank. If you use something like a brick that can deteriorate over time, put it in a plastic bag. This way you don't have to worry about it messing up your plumbing.
8. Toilet Does Not Equal Trashcan
Okay this should be a given, but I still find my husband doing this one. Do not throw kleenex, q-tips, ect in the toilet and flush. You are wasting several gallons of water each time you do this.
9. Don't Flush
This one can be a little extreme, at least for most people. Some people only flush when there are solids in the toilet or after every few times they go to the bathroom. Most (or at least I hope) will flush when they have visitors. This can save you gallons of water, too, but like I said this can be a little extreme.
10. Check for Leaks
One of the biggest culprits for leaks is the toilet. You can check this easily be putting some food coloring (or those blue cleaners) in the toilet tank. Leave it for a little while. If you see coloring in the toilet when you return, you know you have a leak. This can usually be fixed in a few minutes. You will probably just need to replace the parts in the tank - like the flap. It really is easy to do and inexpensive.
Then check all of your faucets inside and out. A small drip can waste several gallons of water a day. Again these leaks can be easy and inexpensive to fix yourself. Usually, it is just a washer that needs to be replaced.
After checking all of these, check out your water meter. See what your meter is when you know you won't be using any water for a couple of hours. If it has changed when you read it again, then you have a leak that you need to look for again.
As you can see, there are several way to save on your water bill. Pick one or two to work on at a time. Do what you and your family are comfortable with. You do not have to spend a lot of money or go too extreme.
I know, you think, it won't make that big a difference, but like my grandma always said, "A penny saved, is a penny earned." Besides, you will save on your electric bill in some cases, and you will be doing something good for the earth.
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