The most effective ways to save water at home are to find and fix leaks, stop letting water run while you brush, shave or wash dishes, use rainwater for landscaping where practical, and install low-flow fixtures. Of these, fixing leaks often saves the most, because a leak wastes water every hour of the day.
1. Find and fix leaks
Dripping faucets, running toilets and leaking irrigation lines quietly waste large amounts of water. Check regularly:
- Toilets: add food coloring to the tank; color in the bowl without flushing means the flapper is leaking.
- Faucets and showerheads: fix drips by replacing worn washers, cartridges or O-rings.
- The water meter: with all water off, a moving meter means a leak somewhere, possibly a hidden one. See reading your water meter.
- Irrigation: look for soggy areas, broken heads and valves that weep.
2. Don’t let the water run
Turn the tap off while brushing your teeth, shaving or lathering your hands, and wash produce and dishes in a bowl or basin instead of under running water.
3. Use rainwater outdoors
Rain barrels connected to downspouts can collect water for gardens and outdoor cleaning. Follow local guidance on rain barrel use and keep them covered.
4. Install low-flow fixtures
Low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and high-efficiency toilets reduce water use with little change in daily routine, and many are simple to install.
More water-saving habits
- Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.
- Keep a jug of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it is cold.
- Water landscaping in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation, and adjust sprinklers so they do not spray walls or pavement.
- Take shorter showers.
Frequently asked questions
What uses the most water in a typical home?
Toilets, showers, laundry and, in many San Diego homes, landscape irrigation account for most indoor and outdoor use. Leaks in any of these can add significantly to the total.
How can I tell if I am wasting water through a leak?
Turn off all water and watch the meter. If it moves, water is escaping somewhere, even if you cannot see it.
Do low-flow fixtures really make a difference?
Yes. Efficient toilets, showerheads and aerators reduce water use with every use, and the savings add up over a year.
When saving water means finding a hidden leak
If you have cut back on water use but your bill has not dropped, or the meter moves when everything is off, a hidden leak may be the cause, often under a slab, in a wall or underground. See high water bill detection and irrigation system leak detection, or call 1st Response Leak Detection at (619) 374-8554.