Do you unknowingly wastewater with your daily habits? If so, you’re losing money. What’s more, you’re creating more work for your local water treatment plant. Any hot water you waste is also a waste of the energy used to heat that water. If you’re looking to save money on your bills at home, water conservation is a good place to start. Look for these 10 signs that you could benefit from investing in water conservation.

  1. You have outdated showerheads. If you’re of the mindset of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” think again when examining your showerheads. Sure, the old thing might still put out water, but if uses more than two gallons per minute, you’re wasting water and energy every time you shower. Invest in water conservation by replacing outdated showerheads with low-flow versions.
  2. You have old aerators on your faucets. The water flow may feel good, but you could be using more water than you realize. Low-flow faucet aerators restrict bathroom water flow to between 0.5 and 1.5 gallons per minute while kitchen aerators use no more than 2.2 gallons per minute. These investments help you conserve water without diminishing the high water pressure you enjoy.
  3. You have a “regular” toilet. Low-flow is definitely the way to go if you want to save water in the bathroom. What’s even better is a WaterSense toilet that has undergone rigorous laboratory tests to rate it for performance and efficiency. Investing in a water-conserving toilet can save up to 4,000 gallons per year.
  4. Your toilet leaks. Listen to the water flow after each flush. If the toilet continues to run for a long time, it means you may have a leak and the toilet is struggling to fill the tank faster than the water rushes out. Some leaks cause the toilet to “phantom run” seemingly out of nowhere. This is caused by a slow leak between the tank and the toilet bowl. In either case, a new flapper should do the trick.
  5. You have leaky faucets. Without leaks, faucets account for about 15 percent of the water use in your home. Leaks cause this number to be much higher, so if your faucets or pipes leak, have them fixed as soon as possible.
  6. Your sprinkler heads are broken or aimed wrong. You won’t make the sidewalk or street grow by watering it. Learn how to fix or replace broken sprinkler heads for massive water savings and a greener lawn.
  7. You have an out-of-date washing machine. Today’s ENERGY STAR qualified washing machines use much less water per cycle while still getting your clothes fresh and clean. An investment could be worthwhile if you want to lower your water bills.
  8. Your dishwasher is a decade old. Modern machines have energy-saving settings that can conserve great amounts of water while still getting your dishes sparkling clean. The next time your dishwasher breaks down, consider investing in a new one to improve water conservation.
  9. You keep your pool uncovered. Pool covers serve three purposes: they help keep the pool clean, reduce the need for chemical cleaning and prevent water from evaporating away.
  10. You water your yard when it’s raining. Avoid wasting water by purchasing a rain gauge. This tells you how much rain your yard is soaking up. Seek guidance from your local water agency to find out how much rain your yard needs to skip an irrigation cycle.