Use water wisely. It's just the right thing to do.
Across the region, we use millions of gallons of water each day. Almost everything we do depends on water: public health and safety, recreation, the economy, and life itself! We all have a role to play in conserving this precious resource at home, in the garden, at school, and at work. Whether you’re curious about conservation or a seasoned water saver, these resources will help you use water wisely all year.
Start in the bathroom
On average, most of the water people use at home is used in the bathroom. Making water-efficient swaps to your toilet, faucet, or shower can mean big water savings.
Leaks waste more than water
A leaking faucet, showerhead, or appliance isn’t just annoying. Even small leaks can waste a lot of water and raise your bills. You can help stop water waste in its tracks by keeping up on home maintenance. Check your sprinkler system throughout the summer and routinely replace worn-out washers, gaskets, and fittings on your appliances.
Learn where to find common leaks at home and how to use your water meter to detect even the slowest, quietest leaks.
Switch and save
You can save water every time you wash your hands, flush the toilet, and run the garden hose. Switch out inefficient fixtures and appliances to make a long-lasting, water-saving upgrade to your home. Your water provider may offer free water conservation devices and rebates to help you save money while saving water.
DIY your water savings
There are many ways to save a lot of water with a little effort. Follow along with how-to videos that show you how to replace your faucet aerator, check your toilet for leaks, and make your landscape more water-efficient.
Know the flow
The greatest waste of water is watering too much, too often. Take 15 minutes to measure how much water comes out of your sprinklers, hose nozzle, drip irrigation system, or soaker hose. Whether you water by hand or use an irrigation system, you can save water outdoors all summer long.
Water wisely
At-home water use often doubles—or even triples—in the summer months due to outdoor watering. Use water wisely in your yard and garden by signing up for the Weekly Watering Number. You’ll get a text or email each week letting you know how much to water, plus tips and resources for summer water savings.
Keep waterways healthy
Other outdoor activities, like washing your car at home or cleaning your driveway, can also use a lot of water. Use a shut-off nozzle on your garden hose to make sure you’re only using water when you need it. Take your car to a commercial car wash that recycles its water instead of washing it at home. Sweep dirt and debris onto your landscape instead of pressure-washing hard surfaces. Not only will you save water with these tips, you’ll also protect local waterways from pollution!
Lush gardens with less water
You can have a beautiful landscape full of color and texture and still save water. Choose native and climate-adapted plants that need less water (and less maintenance). Consider a lawn alternative like an eco-lawn or steppable ground cover. And, no matter what you plant, make sure you’re taking care of your soil (that can help save water too).
More ways to save
Whether you are a visual learner, are looking for content in other languages, or prefer printed instructions on how to save water, we’ve got you covered!
- Start with 10 quick, easy tips to help you save water indoors and outdoors, also available in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese.
- Check out our YouTube channel for water conservation how-to videos.
- Download and print materials on how to save water on our Resources page.
- Get your kids involved! Check out fun water-saving activities and games for kids (and their adults), including a reading list to bring to the library.
- If you’re already a super water saver and ready to take the next step, check out these 10 tips to protect our drinking water sources while doing everyday activities.