Check for leaks

A leaky faucet or dripping shower that spills a drop of water per second can waste over 3,000 gallons of water a year – that’s equivalent of 180 showers. Rather than checking each appliance, read your water meter when no one is at home and all the water fittings are switched off. If the meter dial is still moving, give you plumber a call to  help you find and fix the leak.

Check the Water Efficiency Label

By getting water-efficient appliances such as washing machines, toilets and showerheads, you can save as much as 6litres of water every time you do the laundry or 3.5 litres every time you flush the toilet. A grading system of 0 to 4 ticks to indicate water efficiency will be displayed on appliances, so check before you buy!

Install faucet aerators in the bathroom and kitchen

An aerator is one of the most effective and inexpensive tools for saving water. It’s a small device attached to the tip of the faucet that controls the amount of water coming out. It also acts as a filter for small debri. You can get one for as littler as $5 at your neighbourhood hardware store.

Install water-efficient showerheads

Like aerators, water-efficient showerheads restrict the amount of water that flows through without sacrificing performance. Check the showerhead’s flow rating, which is measured in gallons per minute (gpm). Conventional showerheads have a flow rate of 5gpm, whereas a water-efficient showerhead should have a flow rate of 2gpm or less.

Install a dam in your toilet tank

Place a water bottle that has been filled with water and some pebbles/sand (screw the lid on tightly!) in the tank, away from the toilet’s operating mechanism. This displaces the water in the tank, reducing amount of water used with each flush. Doing this can save you ten or more gallons of water each day!

Use basins for washing dishes

Don’t leave the water running. Fill one basin with soapy water and the other with rinse water. You can also gather the dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a basin of hot water.

This article was first published on The Finder.