Indoor Water Tips

The average Southwest Floridian uses about 100 gallons of water a day for personal needs. Two-thirds of it is used in the bathroom. Toilets account for 40 percent of indoor water use, and showers and baths consume another 30 percent. Washing machines and dishwashers take 15 percent. Ongoing toilet, faucet and other leaks can as much as double your water and wastewater charges. Here’s how you immediately can cut your water and wastewater bill:

Detect and Repair Leaks

• Turn off everything that uses water in your home, and then check your water meter dial for 15 minutes. If the triangular knob remains still, you are watertight! If it’s moving, look for leaks.
• Fix leaks in toilets, faucets, showerheads and plumbing fixtures. Use food coloring to “dye” the water in your toilet tank to help detect leaks.
• Check the condition of water shut-off valves used for repairs and emergencies. Install Water-Saving Devices.

Install Water-Saving Devices

• Insert a water-filled bottle in older toilet tanks to displace space and reduce the gallons flushed.
• Retrofit sink faucets with aerators to reduce excess water flow.
• Update your bathrooms with low-flow showerheads and toilets.
• Install air-to-air heat pumps and air-conditioning systems that don’t use water.

Economize

• If water is running too hot or too cold, turn the offending temperature down instead of turning the
  opposite temperature up. Run only full loads in the washing machine, and use proper fill levels.
• Hand wash dishes in one sink of water and rinse in a second to eliminate running water.
• Thaw foods in a microwave or pan of water, not under running water.
• Compost food waste instead of using a garbage disposal.
• Use the minimum amount of detergent required for any job, allowing heavily soiled items to pre-soak. Natural detergents are best.
• Choose a sponge mop and pail, instead of a string mop and running water.
• Keep a soft water tank’s regenerating cycles to a minimum. Turn it off during vacation.

Reuse Water

• Save cooking water for nutritious soup stock, or use it to nourish your houseplants.
• Pour old fish tank water on your garden. Plants thrive on the nutrients.
• Reuse bathing water for heavy cleaning jobs.