District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority

It's easy to conserve water at home and in other indoor locations. Saving water saves money, energy, and natural resources. We encourage you to adopt more water-saving habits. Below are some suggestions.

Toilet

• Flush only when necessary.
• Don't use the toilet to flush things that could be thrown in a wastebasket.
• Repair leaks. Add food coloring to the toilet tank water, and check the bowl in 15 minutes. (Don't flush.) Color in the toilet bowl probably means there's a leak.
• Install water-saving devices (detailed in the "Consumer Services & Outreach" section of this site.)

Sink

• Plug the drain and use only as much water as you need to wash or shave.
• Don't let water run when you brush your teeth.
• Repair leaks or drips.
• Check the faucets and pipes for leaks.
• Replace washers, and repair or replace fixtures if necessary.
• Install an aerator or flow restrictor in the faucet.
• Chill water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run until water is cold.

Tub or Shower

• Take shorter showers.
• Plug the drain before you run water for baths.
• Do not fill the bathtub all the way.
• Install water-saving devices. (described in the "Consumer Services & Outreach" section of this site.)

Dish Washing

• Scrape dishes, but don't pre-rinse.
• Soak pots and pans before washing.
• Don't keep the water running; fill the sink instead. Use only as much water as you need.
• Use only as much detergent as needed.
• Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
• Inspect all connections to the dishwasher, and repair any leaks.

Laundry

• Use the load selector. Match the water level to the load size, or do only full loads.
• Presoak heavily soiled items.
• Use only as much detergent as needed.
• Check faucets and hose connections for leaks.

Check for leaks in your plumbing, pipes, and fixtures to help limit your water usage. A single dripping faucet can waste hundreds, even thousands of gallons per year. Most leaks are easy to find and repair.

You may also wish to install water-saving devices (described in the "Consumer Services & Outreach" section of this site.) such as aerators or displacement devices to reduce your water use.

Another way to save water is to reuse it. Some areas allow water reuse. Used water may be suitable for some purposes. Be sure to comply with local laws and regulations regarding water reuse.

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