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Home Water Use and Conservation

Most people in the U.S. use 60 to 100 gallons of water per person per day. Since much of all the water used indoors is used in the bathroom, it is a good place to start water conservation efforts.

Leaks

• A leaky faucet can waste 10 to 20 gallons or more per day and may damage the house structure. Repairing a faucet is usually as simple as changing an inexpensive metal washer or O-ring.

• Leaky toilets can waste many gallons per day. To find out if your toilet leaks, put a little food coloring in the tank as long as it will not stain your toilet. If, after 15 minutes without flushing, color appears in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired.

• To check for more leaks, shut off the faucets and water-using equipment and take a reading from the water meter. After 30 minutes, re-read the meter. If the dial moved, you have a leak. If you don't have a water meter, you may be able to detect a leak if the well pump starts up during this testing period.

Toilet Water Usage

• Do not use the toilet for a trash basket. Instead, put facial tissues and other trash in the wastebasket for disposal. If you do not have a low-volume flush toilet, reduce the flush volume by adjusting the float rod downward or by purchasing special devices for the tank that reduce water usage.

Showers

• A quick shower usually draws less water than a bath. If you do not have a low-flow shower head, install one. This reduces the flow rate but usually will maintain the velocity of the spray.

Faucets

• Turn off faucets while brushing teeth or shaving. Install a flow control device on your faucet. Insulate hot water pipes to reduce the amount of water run in waiting for hot water.

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Information presented within the drinking water section of this Water Web site has been reviewed by University of Nebraska - Lincoln Drinking Water Team members Bruce Dvorak, Sharon Skipton, Wayne Woldt, David Shelton, and Jan Hygnstrom.