Household Water Conservation
The following chart provides an estimate of typical household water consumption and savings based on use by a family of four people. In the United States, a single family household is estimated to use approximately 100 gallons of water per person per day, of which about 70 gallons are for indoor use. However, the amount of water each household actually uses can varies according to factors such as age and efficiency of plumbing fixtures and appliances, family size and household income.
Water |
Percent of Indoor Use |
Average Use (gals/day/ |
No |
20% |
30% |
40% Reduction |
Toilets |
27 |
18.5 |
74 |
59 |
52 |
44 |
Washing Machine |
22 |
15 |
60 |
48 |
42 |
36 |
Showers |
17 |
11.6 |
45 |
37 |
32 |
27 |
Faucets |
16 |
10.9 |
44 |
35 |
31 |
26 |
Other Household Uses |
4 |
3.5 |
14 |
11 |
10 |
8 |
Leaks |
14 |
9.5 |
38 |
*** |
*** |
*** |
Water savings |
0 gallons |
71 gallons |
94 gallons |
120 gallons |
||
Water savings per household |
0 gallons |
109 gallons |
132 gallons |
158 gallons |
(Source: Amy Vickers and Associates)
Strategies for Reducing Household Water Use
Below are a few suggestions on how you can reduce your household water use for each of the major indoor water uses identified above.
Toilets: The amount of water used per flush varies depending on the size of the toilet tank. To determine the size of your tank, simply remove the lid and read the volume printed inside. To conserve water, add a full plastic water bottle to your tank; the volume displaced by the bottle will equal the volume of water saved each time you flush.
Washing Machines: An easy way to reduce water used for laundry by 50 percent is to wear clothing items twice before washing them. Additionally, only wash full loads and look for Energy Star appliances which use at least 20 percent less water when replacing machines.
Showers: Reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower and save even more water by turning off the flow while lathering.
Faucets: Installing a faucet aerator is an easy and effective way of saving water without changing water pressure or performance. Aerators are inexpensive and relatively simple to install.
Leaks: Read your water meter both before and after an hour of not using any water in your home. If a change is registered by your meter, you have identified a leak. A likely source may be a toilet -- approximately 20 percent of toilets leak. To check for leaks, add a drop of food coloring to the water in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after a few minutes you have discovered a leak which needs repair.