Water Conservation

Indoor Water Saving Tips

1. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
2. Turn off the water while lathering your hands with soap.
3. Take shorter showers instead of baths. A bath can use up to 50 gallons of water, while a 10-minute shower with a low-flow showerhead uses only 25 gallons.
4. Replace older toilets with WaterSense models that use less water per flush. Also, consider replacing showerheads with WaterSense models and adding water-saving aerators to your faucets.
5. Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full, and use the shortest cycle when washing clothes.
6. Check for leaks in your toilets and faucets (refer to Fix-A-Leak information).
7. Defrost food in the refrigerator rather than under running water.
8. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with soapy water and the other with rinse water instead of letting the faucet run.
9. Reuse water from fish tanks and pet bowls to water your plants.
10. Always turn taps off tightly to prevent drips.

Household Water Audits

SCWA encourages everyone to be responsible stewards of our water resources. Check out these additional water conservation tips. We all can do our part to use water wisely.

My Drop Counts

"My Drop Counts" is a water conservation campaign focused on reducing water usage both indoors and outdoors at home and in the workplace. It provides tips and resources on how to save water and includes a pledge for individuals and businesses committed to being better water stewards. Take the pledge today and join nearly 1,000 others in our region who are dedicated to conserving water! Click here to learn more!

EPA Watersense New Homes Program

WaterSense-labeled homes enable families to enjoy all the comforts of home while using less water and energy, resulting in lower utility bills. Compared to a typical home, a WaterSense-labeled home can save a family of four over 50,000 gallons of water annually—that's enough to wash 2,000 loads of laundry and could save up to $600 a year on utility bills. Click the link(s) below for more information.

WaterSense Homes
WaterSense Labeled Homes Quick Reference Guide

EPA Watersense New Homes Program

Remodeling your bathroom? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program can help you achieve your dream bathroom. WaterSense labels thousands of products in a range of prices, styles, and finishes—from sleek to chic—allowing you to create your perfect bathroom oasis. These products not only look great but are independently certified to use 20% less water while performing as well as, or better than, standard models.

With WaterSense-labeled plumbing fixtures, you’ll save energy and money on utility bills by reducing the amount of water you need to heat for showers and shaving. A complete bathroom remodel can save you 10,000 gallons of water, enough energy to power your refrigerator for seven months, and up to $150 annually on utility bills!

Not planning a full bathroom remodel? Check out these videos for simple, affordable “bath hacks” that can improve your bathroom’s efficiency. Swap out your showerhead with a WaterSense-labeled model, install a WaterSense-labeled faucet aerator, or replace a leaky toilet flapper for significant water savings.

Bath Hack #1 - Replace Your Showerhead
Bath Hack #2 - Replace Your Faucet Aerator
Bath Hack #3 - Replace Your Leaky Toilet Flapper

Learn more about ways to save water in your bathroom by visiting the WaterSense website at www.epa.gov/watersense/better-bathroom.

Outdoor Water Saving Tips

1. Only water before 10 AM and after 4 PM when it's cooler to prevent water evaporation.
2. Use a rain barrel to collect water for your garden.
3. Build a rain garden (How To Start A Rain Garden).
4. Water plants in the morning before 10 AM or evening after 6 PM when it’s cooler to reduce evaporation.
5. Check sprinkler systems for leaks and replace broken parts.
6. Spread mulch or pine straw around your plants and flowers to retain moisture and water less frequently.  
7. Use a WaterSense Irrigation System that is more water efficient.
8. Do not water plants on a windy day.
9. Most plants in vegetable and flower gardens do not need to be watered daily, a good rule of thumb is about 1 inch of water per week.
10. Don’t use a hose to clean off your sidewalk, use a broom instead.
11. Plant native and drought-resistant plants that require less water.

EPA Watersence Efficient Landscapes

Interested in creating a water-smart landscape for your home or property? The WaterSense Water-Smart Landscapes guide is a great place to start. Selecting the right plants, promoting soil health, and proper maintenance are essential for a water-efficient landscape. Here are some tips to help you design a beautiful, water-saving, and low-maintenance outdoor space.

Water Efficient Landscapes

Commercial and Institutional Water Audits

Water audits are now available for Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional (ICI) customers. These audits help ICI customers identify opportunities for water conservation. Implementing these conservation strategies can benefit the environment and lead to cost savings. For more details, please contact the SCWA Engineering Department at 770-467-4777.