One way to not waste water is to choose appliances that use less water. A modern low-flow toilet uses as little as 1.6 gallons of water per flush, compared to 3.5 to 7 gallons with older toilets. A dual-flush toilet uses as little as 0.9 gallons to flush liquids and 1.6 gallons for solids. Some washing machines and dishwashers use less water than older models. The federal government has a program that designates some faucets, showerheads, and toilets with a WaterSense label, which means the products meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) requirements for efficiency.
Changing some habits is another way you can avoid wasting water. For instance, don’t run the water while you brush your teeth. Wet your toothbrush, shut off the water, and then brush. Turn the faucet on again to rinse. Do the same with your razor when you shave. Rinse dishes in a basin of water instead of under running water. Run only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
A dripping faucet or running toilet may not seem like a big thing, but it can add up to gallons of wasted water in a year’s time. The EPA estimates that leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted in the U.S. each year. Repair faucet leaks. To check for leaks in your toilet, put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If any of the color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.
