How can I save water?

The following information is provided by the American Water Works Association:

  • 1980s vintage toilet (1980 to 1992) uses 3.5 gallons per flush
  • 50 to 75% of all residential use occurs in the bathroom
  • Average dishwasher uses 17 gallons per wash
  • The average faucet uses 3 to 5 gallons per minute
  • Average water consumption 90,000 gallons per year or 246 gallons per day (according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency)
  • A compact washing machine uses 31 gallons (per 7 pounds of wash, 4.4 gallons per pound)
  • Displacement bags save 0.6 gallons per flush
  • Faucet aerators reduce flow by 1 gallon per minute
  • A low consumption toilet uses 1.6 gallons per flush
  • Low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or less
  • A stackable washing machine uses 32 gallons (per 7 pounds of wash, 4.6 gal/lb)
  • A standard (pre-1980) toilet uses 4.5 to 7.0 gallons per flush
  • A standard domestic washing machine uses 45 to 55 gallons (18 pounds of wash, 2.7 gallons per pound)
  • Standard showerheads use 4 to 7 gallons per minute
  • Valve retrofit kits save 1.0 to 1.5 gallons per flush
  • Water-efficient washing machine uses 20 gallons (1.1 gallons per pound)

Show All Answers

1. What are the current water rates and charges?
2. What is a cross connection?
3. What is back-flow?
4. How can I save water?