Save Water Indoors

  1. Bathroom
  2. Kitchen
  3. Laundry Room
  4. General

The Bathroom:

By far the main source of water use in the home, bathrooms have great potential for water efficiency.  Here are a few things to consider that can result in huge water savings:

Toilets

  • Replace old, inefficient toilets (which can use up to 6 gpf) with new, WaterSense labeled toilets that flush at or under 1.28 gpf.  Simply making that switch could save the average family 13,000 gallons of water/year!  Don't forget, replacing your toilet might qualify you for a rebate!
  • Check your toilet for leaks.  Often times silent toilet leaks go undetected and can result in up to 200 gallons of wasted water/day!  Here's how: Toilet Dye Tab Test
  • Never use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket for facial tissues, cotton swabs, etc.  Only flush the things that are intended to be flushed!

Shower/Bathtub

  • Install low-flow, WaterSense labeled shower heads to potentially save the average family up to 2,900 gallons/year. Visit the City of Hays Finance Office to pick up a low flow showerhead for FREE or low cost with the exchange of your old showerhead.
  • Take shorter showers!  Shorten your shower by just 1 minute and save up to 500 gallons/year.  
  • When running a bath, plug the bathtub before turning on the water. Adjust the temperature as the tub fills.
  • When bathing children, only fill the bath as deep as their belly button (when sitting in the tub) vs. completely full.
  • Shut the water off while washing your hair; turn it back on to rinse.

Bathroom Faucets

  • Replacing old, inefficient faucets and aerators with WaterSense labeled models can save the average family up to 700 gallons of water/year.  Pick up a free faucet aerator at the Finance Office.
  • Check faucets and pipes often for leaks. One drip every second can add up to 5 gallons/day!
  • Shut off the water while brushing your teeth and save up to 4 gallons a minute.
  • Rinse your razor in the sink vs. letting the water run each time.
  • When washing your hands, turn off the water while you lather.