Start with Everyday Habits
One of the simplest ways to cut down on water usage is by being mindful of everyday activities. Turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth, shaving or washing your hands can save gallons of water each day. A running faucet can waste as much as two gallons per minute, meaning that just by switching it off when not needed, a household can save thousands of gallons annually.
Similarly, shortening showers can make a noticeable difference. For example, a standard inefficient showerhead can use around 5 gallons per minute, leading to a rough cost of nearly $400 per person per year for 8-minute showers. Cutting shower time by just a couple of minutes can lead to substantial savings over time, with 5-minute showers costing less than $250. Installing a water-efficient showerhead further amplifies this effect by reducing the flow rate without compromising the experience. The most efficient use only around 1.5 gallons per minute and cost less than $120 per year on average for an 8-minute shower, or $75 for a shorter, 5-minute shower.
Another effective habit is only using dishwashers and washing machines when they are fully loaded. Half-load cycles often consume almost as much water as a full load, making it more efficient to wait until the appliance is fully loaded. Where possible, opting for an eco-mode on these machines can reduce both water and energy consumption.