163 Ways to Save Water at Home, Office and Beyond

In economically developed countries like the U.S. and the U.K., water use remains high, at approximately 80-100 gallons and 150 liters per day per person, respectively. Responsible water consumption is crucial not only in these countries but also globally, as we collectively face the challenges of no access to clean and safe drinking water, water scarcity, and environmental pollution.

In this guide, we present 163 practical tips to save water at home, office, and beyond, enabling us all to play our part in preserving this precious resource for future generations.

Tips to Save Water at Home

In the United States, the average family (3.13 people) consumes approximately 300 gallons of water daily, with 210 gallons (70%) used indoors for activities like in the bathroom, kitchen, laundry, and other indoor spaces, and 90 gallons (30%) used outdoors for activities like gardening and car washing, according to the EPA.

By cutting water usage by just 10%, you can save around 20-25 gallons per day (37.5-94 liters) indoors and an extra 8-10 gallons (12.5-31 liters) outdoors. Starting with the bathroom, which makes up 30% of water usage, simple changes can significantly contribute to water conservation efforts and preserve our planet's most vital resource.

Tips to Save Water in the Bathroom

1. Cut a minute or two off your shower – every extra second is water wasted. You can save about 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per minute.
2. Test out your shower – see how fast it fills a one-gallon bucket. If it’s quicker than 20 seconds, switch to an economical showerhead. This can save you about 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per minute.
3. Make sure your shower is fitted with an instant water heater. Don’t pour gallons down the drain waiting for it to warm up. Doing this can save about 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per shower.
4. Turn off the water while you wash your hair, then turn it back on to rinse. This simple step can save about 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per shower.
5. Time your showers and limit them to five minutes max. Make this a rule for your whole family to save about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per shower.
6. Experiment with showering less – you can skip a few days during cold snaps. This can save you about 10-20 gallons (37-71 liters) of water per skipped shower.
7. Opt for a steam shower – it can clean you just as effectively with half the water and gives you that blissful spa experience while saving you about 20-30 gallons (76-115 liters) per steam shower.
8. Wash with a bar of soap. It's quicker because it reduces less lather to rinse off, saving you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per shower.
9. Plug the basin before turning on the tap when filling the bath. The cold water will regulate the temperature and save you about 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per bath.
10. Don’t fill the bath to the brim. Remember that when a body gets in, the water will rise. This can save you about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per bath.
11. Upgrade to a modern toilet with water-saving sensors. This can save you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per flush.
12. Use a dual-flushing toilet. It lets you use a half-flush for liquid waste. More hygienic and can save you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per half-flush.
13. Flush your toilet only when there’s a waste. Tissues can go in the trash and save 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) of water from unnecessary flushing!
14. Use a bucket of water to flush the toilet. If you have spare water from guttering or cooking, you can use that to flush. This can save you about 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per flush.
15. Switch to a water-conserving toilet with low-flow capacity. This can save about 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per flush.
16. Check for toilet leaks annually. Get your toilet checked for leaks by a registered plumber! This can save about 20-30 gallons (76-115 liters) per leak per day.
17. Dye your toilet water with a few drops of food coloring to detect leaks! This simple tip can save you 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per leak detection.
18. Turn off the taps while you’re soaping up when washing your hands. This can save about 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per hand wash.
19. Install aerators on your faucets to cut water consumption in half without impacting flow or feel. This can save about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per minute.
20. Don’t leave taps running while brushing your teeth. A splash of water on your toothbrush and a rinse is all you need. This can save you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per minute.
21. Fix leaks in showerheads and faucets immediately. Don’t tolerate a drip! This habit can save about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per day from a single leak.

Tips to Save Water in the Kitchen

22. Using a dishwasher saves 8 to 9 times more water than hand washing, conserving about 20-30 gallons (75-115 liters) per load. So, get a dishwasher!
23. Skip rinsing your plates, if you have a newer dishwasher, saving up to 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per day.
24. Opt for energy-efficient dishwashers to save around 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per load, reducing both water and electricity consumption.
25. Don’t run a half-load in your dishwasher. Wait for a full load to save 10-15 gallons (38-57 liters) per wash cycle.
26. Use quick-wash settings on your dishwasher and save 3-8 gallons (11-30 liters) per cycle while maintaining effectiveness.
27. When hand-washing dishes, fill a basin instead of letting the taps run, saving 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute.
28. Catch the water while waiting for it to heat up in a bucket, and you can save up to 5 gallons (19 liters) per day, using it for other purposes like cleaning pets, cars, and watering plants.
29. Re-use the same glass or get a plastic water bottle for drinking water to save 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per day from multiple glass usage and washing them all.
30. Fill up a pitcher of drinking water and use it for refills instead of running the tap, saving up to 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per day.
31. Soak your sticky pots and pans overnight instead of scrubbing them with running water, saving up to 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per wash.
32. Compost your refuse fruits and vegetables instead of using the garbage disposal, saving 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per disposal usage.
33. Dip fruits in a pan of water for cleaning instead of rinsing them individually, saving 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per wash.
34. Collect the water from rinsing your fruit and feed it to your houseplants, saving 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per day from being wasted.
35. Plan ahead for defrosting food by using the refrigerator instead of running water, saving up to 10-15 gallons (38-57 liters) per defrosting session.
36. Install an instant water heater by your sink to save up to 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute while waiting for water to heat up.
37. Switch from boiling to steaming vegetables, using a fraction of water, and save up to 5 gallons (19 liters) per cooking session.
38. Don’t throw out the water from boiling vegetables, use it as a base for soups, saving 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per cooking session.
39. Ensure you never leave faucets running while cooking, saving 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute of faucet use.
40. Choose pans that are appropriately sized to reduce water waste, saving 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per cooking session.
41. Use a kettle with a water gauge to boil just the right amount, saving 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per boiling session.
42. Calculate the water footprint of the things you consume in the kitchen. This can save about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per day.
43. Opt for plant-based protein sources a few nights a week. Going vegetarian can save you 2-30 gallons (75-115 liters) per week.
44. Choose plant-based milk like almond and oat over traditional cow’s milk, saving you about 25-30 gallons (95-115 liters) per gallon of plant-based milk produced.
45. Prioritize fresh fruits, veggies, and grains over processed foods. Stay fresh and save 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) of water each day.
46. Set a timer when brewing tea to avoid wasting cold tea down the sink, saving you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per week.
47. Investing in an energy-efficient ice maker can save you about 15-20 gallons (57-76 liters) per day in ice production.
48. Reuse dropped ice cubes by popping them in a houseplant, saving you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) of water per day.
49. Sweep up water spills with a dustpan and feed them to your plants, saving you about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per spill.

Tips to Save Water in the Laundry

50. Choose a water-saving washing machine to reduce consumption, saving about 15-30 gallons (57-114 liters) per load.
51. Wash clothes only when they’re dirty – and skip unnecessary washes, especially for items like jeans that may not need frequent washing. This can save about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per load.
52. Reuse your towels at home and in hotels. Adopt this eco-friendly habit and cut down on unnecessary laundry, saving about 1-2 gallons (4-8 liters) per towel.
53. Consider a compact washing machine for small loads if you live alone or without children, saving you about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per load.
54. Wash dark colors with cold-water washes to save water, energy, and prolong the lifespan of your clothing. This can save about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per load.
55. Check local regulations to see if your washing machine wastewater can be rerouted to your garden, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per load.
56. Explore different modes, cycles, and temperature options to optimize water consumption, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per load.
57. Strategize your laundry schedule to avoid small loads, and maximize water efficiency, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per load.
58. Embrace air drying to conserve water and reduce electricity usage, which indirectly saves water as well. Save about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per load.

Tips to Save Water by Plugging Leaks

59. Be aware of the cost of leaks, as even a small hole (1/16th of an inch) can lead to a loss of 100 gallons (379 liters) of water daily.
60. Perform an annual comprehensive check for leaks in all areas, including tubs, sinks, drains, and faucets.
61. Check for leaks in toilets, which can occur from the cistern to the pan, and ensure no water is running before you flush.
62. Use water meters to monitor water consumption and detect hidden leaks, saving about 10-50 gallons (38-190 liters) per month.
63. If you can't find a leak yourself, call in professionals to identify and fix it promptly.
64. If you live in rented accommodation, know your rights and ensure landlords promptly fix leaks to prevent water wastage.
65. On dry days, inspect your lawn for wet patches, as underground leaks can surface in the soil.
66. Some refrigerators use water for cooling; regularly check underneath your fridge for water leaks.
67. Don't overlook leaks outside the house, as they waste just as much water and should be addressed promptly.

Tips to Save Water in the Garden

68. Install a professionally smart irrigation system to efficiently water your lawn and save about 20-50 gallons (76-190 liters) per day.
69. Set a timer when using a hose pipe as they can use up to ten gallons of water a minute, so every second counts. Save about 10-60 gallons (38-227 liters) per watering session.
70. Opt for grass types like zoysia and Bermuda grass that requires less water, suitable for the climate you live in. Save about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
71. Consider Dormant Bermuda grass for arid climates. This type of lawn may need watering just once every few months. Save about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per month.
72. Set your mower to leave the grass a little longer, as longer blades shade the soil and store water for longer, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per mowing session.
73. After mowing, distribute the lawn clippings across your lawn to keep your grass cool and healthy, reducing water evaporation, and saving about 1-3 gallons (4-11 liters) per watering session.
74. Check the soil before watering flowers. Water only if the soil is dry down to around three inches. Save about 3-6 gallons (11-23 liters) per watering session.
75. Water your lawn when footprints remain: if the grass blades spring back into place, there’s no need to water, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
76. Allow your lawn to go brown over winter, embracing seasonal changes and avoiding overwatering, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per month.
77. Regular weeding prevents unwanted plant life from competing for water in your garden, saving about 1-3 gallons (4-11 liters) per weeding session.
78. Swap the hose for a watering can, which spreads water more thinly and targets specific areas, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per watering session.
79. Align your plant choices with your water budget, considering your climate's capacity for water, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
80. Use fertilizer sparingly as can increase water consumption alongside excessive growth in your garden, saving about 1-3 gallons (4-11 liters) per application.
81. Aerate your lawn by drilling six-inch holes across it, allowing water to be better absorbed into the soil, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per watering session.
82. Check your sprinkler system regularly to avoid watering sidewalks and wasteful areas, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per watering session.
83. Water your garden early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler to limit evaporation and maximize plant absorption, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
84. Avoid watering on windy days to prevent water from being blown away, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
85. Turn off your sprinkler system if it’s forecast to rain or install a rain sensor to switch it off automatically, saving about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per rainy day.
86. Regularly check your sprinkler system for leaks or call out a plumber to do so, saving about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per day.
87. Sweeping your patios and walkways instead of hosing them down, save about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per cleaning session.
88. Water your garden in short spells to ensure every drop is absorbed and avoid runoff, saving about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per watering session.
89. Prevent water waste and potential harm to your plants by avoiding overwatering, saving about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per watering session.
90. Signs like algae or fungal growth indicate overwatering; give your plants time to dry out, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
91. Catch rainwater from your gutters and use it to water your garden, saving about 10-50 gallons (38-190 liters) per rainy day.
92. Pruning your plants can limit water consumption, promoting healthier plants and saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
93. Be careful when watering hanging plants to prevent water wastage from dripping, saving about 1-3 gallons (4-11 liters) per watering session.
94. Place ice cubes in hanging baskets for slow water consumption and no waste draining out the bottom, saving about 1-3 gallons (4-11 liters) per watering session.

Tips to Save Water with Xeriscape Landscaping

95. Embrace xeriscape landscaping practices to revolutionize your garden's water consumption, saving 100 to 120 gallons (375-400 liters) per day.
96. Attend landscaping classes at your local garden center to learn water-saving practices and tips for your garden.
97. Group similar plants together to avoid overwatering adjacent plants, conserving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
98. Opt for drought-resistant plants like cacti, saving about 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) per watering session.
99. Use porous materials like gravel and pavers for patios and pathways to prevent water runoff and maximize absorption, saving about 10-30 gallons (38-114 liters) per rainfall.
100. Apply mulch on flower beds to prevent weed growth and conserve water, saving about 1-5 gallons (4-19 liters) per watering session.
101. Maintain your lawn on flat surfaces to ensure efficient watering, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per watering session.
102. Divert guttering water into flower beds to maximize rainwater use, saving about 20-50 gallons (76-190 liters) per month.

Tips to Save Water in the Swimming Pool

103. Keep your pool clean and prevent evaporation with pool covers, saving about 50-100 gallons (190-380 liters) per week.
104. Reduce pool heating to minimize water loss through evaporation, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per day.
105. Minimize water evaporation by avoiding decorative sprays and waterfalls, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per day.
106. Maintain a moderate pool level to prevent water loss from splashing, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per day.
107. Consider joining a local swimming pool instead of building a pool at home, saving about hundreds to thousands of gallons (hundreds to thousands of liters) per month.

Tips to Save Water When Washing Your Car

108. Select car washes with water recycle systems to save about 50-100 gallons (190-380 liters) per wash.
109. Wash your car on the lawn to utilize water for plants, saving about 20-30 gallons (76-114 liters) per wash.
110. Opt for self-service car washes with high-pressure hoses to conserve water, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per wash.
111. Reduce car washing frequency and conserve water, saving about 50-100 gallons (190-380 liters) per month.
112. Instead of using a hose, fill a bucket of water at the faucet for cleaning and rinsing, saving about 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per cleaning session.
113. Use permeable materials for driveways and patios to allow water absorption, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per watering session.
114. Opt for drive-through car washes that use about 30 gallons (114 liters) to clean your car, saving about 20-40 gallons (76-152 liters) compared to a garden hose wash.
115. Consider if your car truly needs a wash before using about 80-100 gallons (300-380 liters) for each wash.

Tips to Save Water for Kids

112. Reuse bathwater for multiple kids or for watering plants, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per bath.
113. Educate children about turning off faucets and avoiding unnecessary splashing, saving about 1-5 gallons (4-19 liters) per day.
114. Teach your kids to never leave a tap running and to turn off faucets tightly to save up to 5 gallons (19 liters) per minute of faucet use.
115. Encourage water-saving habits in kids and reward their efforts, as their imaginative ideas can save significant amounts of water.
116. Ensure your kids know to never leave the faucet running while brushing their teeth, saving up to 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute.
117. Involve kids in cooking and put them in charge of saving water by making sure taps are not left running, conserving 3-5 gallons (11-19 liters) per minute.
118. Don't fill glasses to the brim to avoid wasting water; kids can take reusable plastic water bottles to school, promoting water conservation.
119. Encourage schools to teach kids about water conservation and its impact on the planet, saving about 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per day.
120. Opt for toys that stay dry instead of water tables that require frequent refills, saving significant water amounts.
121. If kids want to have a water fight or play in paddling pools, do it when the lawn needs watering to make the most of water usage.
122. Consider inviting neighborhood kids over to share a paddling pool, preventing unnecessary water waste from individual pools.

Tips to Save Water for Pet Owners

123. When washing your pet, take them to the lawn so that the runoff water can nourish your plants, saving up to 5 gallons (19 liters) per wash.
124. Instead of tossing out water from your pet's bowl, repurpose it to water your houseplants or soak dirty pans, saving about 1-2 gallons (3-7 liters) each time.
125. Opt for environmentally friendly pet toys made of materials like hemp and plant fibers to reduce water consumption in their production.
126. Choose pets like dogs and cats that are comfortable in your climate to avoid unnecessary water usage, especially in arid regions where long-haired breeds may require more cleaning and drinking water.

Tips to Save Water at the Office

127. Assess how water is used in your office and make necessary changes; small adjustments during 40-hour workweeks can save approximately 100-500 gallons (380-1,900 liters) annually.
128. Instead of building a pool, consider joining a local swimming pool to foster community connections and save up to thousands of gallons (or liters) of water per year.
129. If you're a manager, take the initiative to save water and set an example for your team, collectively saving gallons (or liters) of water over time.
130. Utilize Earth Day to host a water-saving event, inviting speakers from water conservation charities to inspire and educate staff, potentially saving thousands of gallons (or liters) of water through collective efforts.
131. During new staff inductions, highlight water-saving practices in the office, fostering a culture of conservation that could lead to substantial savings in water consumption.
132. Provide employees with branded water bottles to reduce plastic usage and encourage water reduction, potentially saving hundreds of plastic bottles and conserving water.
133. Develop written guidelines about water conservation and share monthly water usage with employees to build a water-saving culture, collectively saving gallons (or liters) over time.
134. Create a suggestions jar in the staffroom to collect ideas for water conservation and reward the best actionable suggestions, potentially resulting in significant water savings.
135. Install water filter systems in the staff break room, encouraging employees to drink from the faucet rather than buying bottled water, leading to gallons (or liters) of plastic bottle waste reduction.
136. Make it convenient for personnel to report leaky faucets or burst pipes for quick resolution, potentially saving hundreds of gallons (or liters) of water from going to waste.
137. Include leak and failure checks in the job responsibilities of maintenance staff to identify issues promptly, avoiding potential water wastage.
138. Replace old toilets and showers with water-efficient models to save approximately 1,000-2,000 gallons (3,800-7,600 liters) per day in medium to large organizations, contributing to significant water conservation.
139. Designate specific staff to water office houseplants, ensuring proper care and water usage, leading to gallons (or liters) of water saved over time.
140. Install timers on fountains to operate only during office hours, conserving water when not needed, potentially saving gallons (or liters) of water annually.
141. Add a water-saving tip to every company newsletter email signature to promote conservation among staff, potentially inspiring gallons (or liters) of water savings.
142. Consider working with local authorities to recycle the building's water for more sustainable usage, potentially saving gallons (or liters) of water.
143. Install sub-meters to closely monitor water usage, helping identify and optimize the best water-saving practices, resulting in gallons (or liters) of water savings.
144. Installing a dishwasher in the staffroom can save approximately 5-15 gallons (19-57 liters) compared to individual handwashing, potentially saving gallons (or liters) of water per use.

Tips to Save Water When Out and About

145. Always turn off the faucets in public restrooms. By doing so, you can potentially save around 1-2 gallons (3-8 liters) of water for every minute the faucet remains off.
146. After swimming, take a quick rinse to clear off chlorine or saltwater. Avoiding a long soak can save you approximately 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) of water per shower.
147. Ensure public showers are fully turned off and check for drips to prevent water waste. This action can save up to 1-2 gallons (3-8 liters) of water for each use.
148. If you encounter a leaky faucet or showerhead in bars, restaurants, or leisure centers, report it to the right person for an immediate fix. Fixing leaks can save up to 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) of water per day, depending on the severity of the leak.
149. Educate your neighbors, family, and local community about water-saving practices. Spreading the word can lead to collective savings of hundreds to thousands of gallons (or liters) of water over time.
150. In case of a burst fire hydrant, contact your local fire service immediately. Such an action can prevent the loss of up to 500-800 gallons (1,900-3,000 liters) of water per minute.
151. If you ask for tap water in a restaurant, ensure not to leave any behind on the table. By filling up your portable water bottle before leaving, you can save approximately 1-2 gallons (3-8 liters) of water per visit, depending on the bottle's size.

Some Final Bonus Tips

152. Prepare your pipes and spigots for winter to prevent freezing and potential burst pipes. Proper winterization can save you from losing 100-200 gallons (380-760 liters) or more, depending on the extent of the burst.
153. Check your pipes in autumn and spring to ensure they are ready for temperature extremes. This action can save you from wasting 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) of water per minute due to leaks.
154. Insulating your hot pipes can reduce energy bills and save water wasted while waiting for water to warm up. This action can potentially save up to 2-4 gallons (7-15 liters) per minute during the waiting period.
155. Instead of washing your car at home, opt for a commercial car wash that uses recycled water. This switch can save hundreds of gallons (or liters) per car wash.
156. When cleaning your fish tank, reuse the old water to nourish your houseplants. Reusing this water can save around 5-10 gallons (19-38 liters) per fish tank cleaning.
157. Seasonally service appliances and evaporative coolers to keep them running efficiently. Proper maintenance can save up to 10-20 gallons (38-76 liters) per appliance use.
158. Know the location of the stopcock in your home to quickly shut off water in case of a burst pipe. This action can prevent the loss of hundreds to thousands of gallons (or liters) during a pipe burst.
159. Reducing food waste indirectly conserves water used in food production. Limiting food waste can save hundreds of gallons (or liters) of water per year, depending on consumption habits.
160. Instead of discarding clothing, consider donating it. Donating clothing can save thousands of gallons (or liters) of water used in the production of new clothing items.
161. Donate items in good condition to local thrift stores. Such actions can save significant amounts of water used in the production of new goods.
162. Embracing a reduced-consumption lifestyle conserves natural resources, including water. This mindful lifestyle can lead to savings of hundreds to thousands of gallons (or liters) over time.
163. Integrate water conservation into your household culture, making it a fun and automatic habit for everyone. A water-conscious culture can lead to substantial water savings in daily activities.

Conclusion

No matter where you're from, water conservation should be a daily practice. By reducing your water usage, you not only save on bills and energy costs but also contribute to preserving our planet's precious natural resources.

After centuries of indoor plumbing, we often take flowing water for granted in our homes and out. However, there are numerous ways to cut down on water consumption.

You can personally save gallons of water each day by adopting water-saving habits, but imagine the impact when everyone around you also participates! Together, we can save hundreds of gallons daily.

Raising awareness is a powerful way to conserve water. Share water-saving tips with your family, friends, and colleagues, and inspire them to join the cause.

Don't let water go down the drain—start saving water today and make a difference for our planet's future!