Conserving Water While at Home

While we shelter at home to stay safe, it’s also a great time to find ways to conserve water. April is Water Conservation Month and there are plenty of ideas, both indoor and outside, for your entire family to save water:

Indoors

  • Only operate the dishwasher when full.
  • Thaw frozen foods in the fridge or microwave instead of using running water.
  • Take showers that are 5 minutes or less.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.
  • Operate the washer with full loads only, if a load size can’t be set.
  • Check for leaks in hoses, faucets and toilets.

Outdoors

  • Only water your lawn when it needs it and follow local restrictions.
  • Add micro-irrigation around plant beds for more efficient watering.
  • Cut your grass at the highest recommended height for your turf species.
  • Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
  • Install drought-tolerant plants.
  • Use a shutoff nozzle on your garden hose.

For Children

  • Download this activity sheet and have children calculate how much water is being used at home daily and devise ways to reduce the use.

For more tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Conservation