According to the Handbook of Water Use and Conservation by Amy Vickers, the average indoor water use in a nonconserving North American single-family home is 69.3 gallons per capita per day. Compare this to 45.2 gallons per capita per day in a conserving home, and you can see how conservation measures and devices really add up!

What are you waiting for? Start implementing these easy water conservation tips for residents or businesses.

Fix the Drip

A dripping faucet can easily waste 3 gallons of water a day! It is worth taking the time to change the washers on your sinks and showers to prevent dripping. Your water bill will appreciate it!

Look for Leaks

Up to 15% of toilets in U.S. homes are estimated to leak - does yours? A leaking toilet can use several gallons of water a day, so it is worth checking. Use free toilet tank dye tablets from the City of Pullman or put a couple drops of food coloring in the toilet tank reservoir, wait 20 minutes, and if dye has showed up in the toilet bowl you know there is a leak that needs to be fixed. (last one link to www.doityourself.com/stry/h2repairtoilet)

Be a Detective

Another way to look for leaks is to read the house water meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

New Fixtures Are Key

Low-flow showerheads, low volume toilets, aerators, and water-efficient dishwashers and clothes washing machines can save a lot of water and money. When shopping for new appliances, consider the long-term benefits of an Energy Star certified model.

Instigate a Lawn Makeover

See Pullman's water-friendly landscaping page for ideas on how to select plants and irrigate efficiently. One easy way to minimize water runoff and slow evaporation is to put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.

Be Toilet Smart

The toilet is the biggest water user indoors; every time you flush your toilet, gallons of water go down the drain. Avoid using your toilet to flush a cigarette, tissue, or other trash.

Insulate Water Pipes

It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll spend less time waiting for the hot water to heat up, thereby saving water!

Step Away From the Hose

Instead of using the water hose to clean your driveway, use a broom.

Full Loads

Dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. For partial clothing loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load.

Cover Up The Pool

By using a pool cover, you'll save thousands of gallons of water from evaporation and will prevent vegetation and insects from getting into the water.