Saving Water for Residential Use

Here are a few indoor water conservation tips from Bob Schultheis, a natural resource engineering specialist with University of Missouri Extension.

To save indoor water use:

a.  Repair faucet and toilet leaks

b.  Install toilet dams on older units

c.  Avoid unnecessary toilet flushing

d.  Take short showers instead of baths (8-10 gallons vs. 30-50 gallons; limit teenagers to 5-minute showers)

e.  Use low-flow shower head (50% less water, with more velocity)

f.  Turn off shower when shampooing or soaping

g.  Run only full loads in dishwasher and clothes washer (20-50 gallons/cycle)

h.  Install faucet aerators (50% less water)

i.   Turn off faucet when shaving, brushing teeth, handwashing dishes

j.   Limit use of the hot tub/spa/Jacuzzi

More details can be found at:

Saving Water - Tips for Residential Use

http://www.home-water-works.org/water-conservation-tips/home

Indoor Water Use in the United States

http://www3.epa.gov/watersense/pubs/indoor.html

Questionable water can be made drinkable by following the procedures in http://extension.missouri.edu/p/EMW1026