15 Doable Steps

Not everyone is aware of the growing pressures on the nation’s water supply, but everyone who pays for water could follow steps -- many suggested by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection -- to reduce consumption and your water bill.
 

In your bathroom

• Take short showers and save 5-7 gallons a minute.
• Fill the tub halfway and save 10-15 gallons.
• Install water-saving toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators, if possible.
• Fill a large plastic bottle with water and place it in your toilet tank if you can’t switch to a low-flow toilet.
• Turn off water while shaving, washing hands or brushing teeth. Faucets use 2-3 gallons a minute.
• Only flush the toilet when necessary.
   

In your kitchen or laundry

• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save by using the short cycle.
• Install faucet aerators, if possible.
• Turn off water while washing dishes. Faucets use 2-3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin takes only 10 gallons to wash and rinse.
• Instead of running water to make it cold, keep a chilled supply in the refrigerator, ready to drink.
• Reuse water used to wash vegetables for watering indoor plants or garden.
   

When outdoors

• Use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.
• Sweep your sidewalk or driveway clean instead of using water.
• Buy a rain barrel and collect rainwater for watering grass, plants and vegetables and for reducing storm runoff.
• Plant a garden, window box or share in a community garden where possible.

National Catholic Reporter, April 18, 2008