What can you do to save water?

Living wisely in the desert means we all must do our part to use water as efficiently as possible. Individually, we consume about 136 gallons of water each day. Below are some easy ways to improve water efficiency in and around your home.

Inside

About 30% of your total water use occurs inside the home.


    Video demonstration of water-efficient toilets Video demonstration of water heater savings tips Video demonstration of a low flow shower head
  • Toilets are the biggest water user in the house (nearly 30%). Switching to high-efficiency toilets (using 1.3 gallons per flush) can save about 15,000-20,000 gallons per year for a family of four.
  • Water- and energy-efficient front-loading clothes washers use 35-50% less water and about 50% less energy than conventional models.
  • Fix leaky faucets throughout your home. It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons of water per week.
  • Replace older shower heads if they have been in place for 15 years. Look for models that use two and a half gallons per minute or less - you'll likely be saving three gallons for every minute you shower.
  • Look for the EPA's WaterSense label when purchasing new sink fixtures. WaterSense-labeled faucets and accessories can reduce a sink's water flow by 30% or more without sacrificing performance.

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Outside

About 70% of your total water use occurs outside the home.


  • Consider desert landscaping and plants that require less water. If you prefer to have a lawn, new hybrid Bermudagrass varieties like Bulls Eye (Bobsod), TifSport and Princess 77 can thrive on about 10% less water than other grasses. View the results of the DesertWise Landscape Research Exhibit for more information.
    • Video demonstration of a smart irrigation controller
  • Install a "smart" irrigation controller to more efficiently water your landscape. Smart controllers can save about 25% of the water used outdoors by automatically linking the watering schedule to actual weather conditions or moisture at the root level.
  • Water plants and trees deeply and less frequently. Watering before sunrise reduces the amount of water lost to evaporation.
  • If you have a pool, reduce evaporation by using a liquid pool cover or installing a pool cover. Using new techniques to remove calcium deposits can eliminate the need to drain your pool.
  • Use rain gutters to channel rainwater toward your landscape.

Visit the Water Use It Wisely Web site for more ways to save water at home. You also will find links to area cities' water conservation pages where you can learn more about programs and incentives offered by your city or town.

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