New York State is renowned for its magnificent water resources including abundant lakes, rivers, ponds, waterfalls, and wetlands.  The state's water is integral to nearly every facet of our daily life-for drinking supply, for recreation, for agriculture and industry and even to generate power.

The average New Yorker uses over 50 gallons of water a day. From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to the lawn and garden, changing your habits can save money on your water, sewer and energy bills, and help conserve a vital resource.

Here are a few tips that New Yorkers can use to
capture water savings inside and outside the home

Install Water Saving Devices

Toilet: The biggest water waster in the house is the toilet, which can use as much as five gallons of water with every flush. You can reduce the volume of water for each flush by putting a plastic jug filled with water into the tank to displace water-each gallon you displace represents thousands of gallons saved each year.  If you have an older toilet that was manufactured before 1992, consider replacing it with a new water efficient toilet that uses only 1.6 gallons per flush.

Showers: Use low-flow showerheads to reduce the amount of water used. These devices can save up to 7.5 gallons per minute.

Faucets: A simple and inexpensive way to save water is to install an aerator on faucets-a single aerator can reduce water output from 2.5 gallons per minute to 1.5 gallons per minute.

Stop Leaks

• Dripping faucets that leak one drop per second can waste as much as 200 gallons a month. Check your taps, pipes and plumbing fixtures regularly for leaks and drips.
  
• If you're unsure whether you have a leak, read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, you probably have a leak.

Consider water efficiency when purchasing new appliances

• Look for appliances with cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy efficient than older appliances.
  
• Old or inefficient washing machines and dishwashers use large amounts of water. EnergyStar rated washers use less water and less energy per load. This saves you money on both your water and energy bills.

Be conscious of the amount of water you use. Look for water saving opportunities inside and outside the home.

Inside the Home:

• Turn off the faucet while shaving, washing up, brushing teeth, and washing dishes.
  
• Don't run the tap to make water cold.
  
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for instant cold drinks.
  
• Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub only part way.
  
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
  
• Select the proper pan size for cooking-larger pans use more water than necessary.

Outside the Home:

• Plant flowers and vegetables that require little or no extra water. 
  
• Water lawns and gardens only when needed. Early morning or night-time watering minimizes evaporation. Concentrate on areas that need watering the most.
  
• Use ground soaking hoses instead of sprinklers whenever possible to minimize waste. Place hoses carefully to avoid watering unnecessary areas like the sidewalk.
  
• Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants. A four inch layer of organic mulch will keep the soil moist and roots cool, minimize evaporation and reduce weed growth.
  
• Use a bucket of soapy water rather than a hose to wash the car or take your car to a car wash that recycles the water.
  
• Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation.
  
• Bathe pets outdoors in areas that need water.
  
• Avoid using pressure washers or hoses to clear sidewalks and steps-sweep them with a broom.

Other Sources of Information

For additional information on water conservation for you home or business, you can go to the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation website or click on the links below: