Want to conserve water at home without giving up hot showers or a healthy lawn? The average American family uses more than 300 gallons of water per day at home, and a surprising amount of that literally goes straight down the drain through long showers, leaks, and overwatering.
At the same time, around 4 billion people worldwide experience severe water scarcity for at least one month every year, which means using less water is not only good for your bill, it also supports a planet that is under growing water stress.
The good news: you do not need a full renovation or fancy gadgets to make a real difference. In this guide, you will find 41 simple ways to conserve water in your laundry, bathroom, kitchen, and yard.
Even if you only adopt a handful of these habits, you can save thousands of gallons of water every year while still living comfortably.
Quick answer: How can you conserve water at home?
To conserve water at home, focus on four areas: laundry, bathroom, kitchen, and yard. Fix leaks, install low-flow fixtures like WaterSense shower heads, run full loads in your washer and dishwasher, shorten showers, collect rainwater, and water your garden efficiently. These small daily changes can save thousands of gallons of water each year and help reduce your household water footprint.
How can you conserve water with your laundry habits?
Laundry is one of the easiest places to conserve water, because the savings repeat with every load.
1. Invest in a high-efficiency washing machine to conserve water
Traditional top-load washers can use 20 to 40 gallons of water per load, while high-efficiency (HE) and ENERGY STAR certified models can cut that to roughly 7 to 14 gallons, depending on the machine and cycle.
If you are still using an older washer, upgrading to a modern HE model is one of the fastest ways to conserve water at home. Look for ENERGY STAR certified clothes washers and check the Integrated Water Factor (IWF) on the label. A lower IWF means less water per cubic foot of laundry.
Bonus tip: Use cold or eco cycles when you can. You conserve water and energy in one move.
2. Run full loads to conserve water and energy in your washer
Even if your washer can sense load size, small or half loads usually waste both water and electricity.
Try to:
- Wait until you have a full load
- Use the correct load size setting if your machine is not automatic
- Combine small clothing items into one mixed load when possible
This simple habit can cut your laundry water use by dozens of gallons per week.
How can you conserve water in the bathroom?
Bathrooms are where a big chunk of indoor water use happens. Toilets, showers, and leaks all add up fast.
3. Reduce toilet tank volume to use less water per flush
You do not always need a new toilet to conserve water. Placing a sealed, filled bottle or tank bank in the toilet tank displaces water and reduces how much is used per flush.
- Use a sturdy 16 to 20 ounce bottle filled with water or sand
- Make sure it does not interfere with moving parts in the tank
If everyone in your home flushes a bit less water each time, you can easily save hundreds of gallons per month.
4. Use an adjustable toilet flapper to fine-tune flush volume
An adjustable flapper lets you control how much water is released from the tank before the valve closes again. By dialing in just enough water for a clean flush, you can conserve water without sacrificing function.
Look for flappers labeled for water savings or WaterSense compatible toilets, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adjustment.
5. Switch to a dual-flush toilet to conserve water with every flush
A dual-flush toilet gives you a low-volume flush for liquid waste and a higher-volume flush for solid waste. This simple choice each time you flush can dramatically reduce your household water use over a year, especially in larger families.
If replacing a toilet is not an option, there are retrofit dual-flush conversion kits for some models.
According to EPA, on average, American families use 300 gallons of water every day.
6. What is a greywater system and how does it help you conserve water?
A greywater system collects relatively clean water from showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry, then redirects it to flush toilets or irrigate your landscape. Used correctly and where local codes allow, greywater can:
- Replace thousands of gallons of potable water per year
- Reduce strain on septic or sewer systems
- Support drought-tolerant landscaping
Always check local regulations and work with a licensed professional, since greywater systems must be installed safely to avoid health risks.
7. Take shorter showers to conserve water and energy
Long, steamy showers feel great but they drain your water meter. A standard shower head can use about 2.5 gallons per minute, so a 20-minute shower can easily hit 50 gallons of water.
Aim for 5 to 10 minute showers instead. You will conserve water, reduce your energy use for hot water, and still feel refreshed.
8. Try the “stop-start” shower method
Here is a simple routine that slashes your shower water use:
- Turn on the water and quickly wet your hair and body.
- Turn the water off and soap up, scrub, or shave.
- Turn the water back on to rinse off.
Using this “stop-start” approach, many people find they can shower with well under 5 gallons of water, especially if they pair it with a low-flow shower head.
9. Install a WaterSense shower head to conserve water while you shower
Standard shower heads use about 2.5 gallons per minute, but WaterSense labeled shower heads use 2.0 gallons per minute or less while still providing strong pressure.
Switching to a WaterSense shower head can save hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water per year for a typical household, especially when combined with shorter showers.
According to Guardian, about 5 billion people could be affected by water shortage by 2050.
10. Install faucets with low-flow aerators
Most modern faucets can be upgraded with a low-flow aerator, which reduces the flow rate while mixing in air so the stream still feels strong. This can:
- Cut sink water use in half or more
- Reduce splashing and mess
- Help you conserve water every time you wash your hands or brush your teeth
Check all bathroom and kitchen faucets and swap in WaterSense labeled aerators where possible.
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11. Do not leave the water running while brushing or shaving
It is easy to leave the tap flowing while brushing your teeth or shaving, but that habit can waste several gallons every day. Instead:
- Wet your toothbrush, then turn off the tap until you need to rinse
- Fill a small cup or bowl with water for rinsing your razor
This is one of the easiest water conservation habits to teach kids as well.
12. Check toilets and fixtures for silent leaks
Household leaks can waste nearly 10,000 gallons of water per home every year, and nationwide that adds up to almost 1 trillion gallons of water wasted annually.
To hunt down silent leaks:
- Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.
- Watch for slow drips from faucets and shower heads.
- Listen for running water when no fixtures are in use.
Fixing worn toilet flappers, washers, and valves is often inexpensive and can quickly reduce your water bill.
How can you conserve water in the kitchen?
Kitchens are sneaky water wasters. Small changes in how you cook, clean, and store water can conserve a lot.
13. Avoid overusing your sink garbage disposal
Garbage disposals typically use plenty of running water to operate well, and they add to the load on wastewater systems. Instead:
- Scrape leftover food into your compost bin or trash
- Use the disposal only when truly needed
You conserve water and reduce the amount of organic waste going into your pipes.
14. Use an efficient dishwasher instead of handwashing
It sounds backwards, but modern ENERGY STAR dishwashers often use less water than washing a full load by hand, especially if you let the tap run while rinsing.
To maximize savings:
- Only run the dishwasher when it is full
- Choose eco or air-dry settings
- Avoid pre-rinsing dishes under running water
15. Partially fill the sink when handwashing dishes
If you prefer handwashing or have only a few items:
- Fill the sink halfway with warm, soapy water
- Wash dishes in the basin and quickly rinse
Avoid leaving the faucet running the whole time. This simple switch can conserve dozens of gallons per week.
16. Keep drinking water in the fridge
If you like cold water, storing a few bottles or a big pitcher in the fridge is more efficient than running the tap until it cools down.
- Fill reusable bottles or a filter pitcher
- Refill after each use so cold water is always ready
This reduces waste from “let it run until it is cold” habits and encourages everyone to drink more water.
California accounts for almost 10% of all water withdrawals in the USA, with Texas in second place at 7%.
17. Do not rinse produce under a running tap
Washing fruits and vegetables is essential, but you do not need a constant stream.
- Fill a bowl or small basin with clean water
- Swirl and rinse your produce in the standing water
- Use a light brush if needed for root vegetables
This method often uses a fraction of the water of a running faucet.
18. Reuse rinse water for plants
Once you have washed produce in a bowl, that water can still be useful. Use it to:
- Water indoor plants
- Give a drink to outdoor containers or garden beds
As long as the water is free of harsh soaps or chemicals, it is a great way to reuse water that would otherwise go down the drain.
19. Install an instant water heater at the sink
If your kitchen is far from your main water heater, you may run the tap for a long time waiting for hot water to arrive. That is a steady stream of wasted water.
A small point-of-use or instant water heater under the sink:
- Delivers hot water faster
- Reduces wasted “warm-up” water
- Can lower your overall energy use when sized correctly
20. Fix leaky kitchen faucets quickly
A slow drip does not look like much, but over time it can waste thousands of gallons per year, especially if the drip is warm water that also wastes energy.
Check for:
- Drips from the spout
- Moisture around the handles
- Water pooling at the base of the faucet
Most leaks are cheap to repair with replacement washers, cartridges, or aerators.
According to National Geographic, American homes use 345 billion gallons each year, which is enough to place the state of Rhode Island under one foot of water.
21. Do not thaw frozen food with running water
Thawing meat or frozen items under running water is a huge water waster. Instead:
- Place frozen food in the fridge overnight
- Use the microwave defrost setting when you are short on time
- For quick thawing, place sealed food in a bowl of cool water and change the water occasionally
All of these methods conserve water and keep your food safer from a food safety perspective.
22. Use the right size pots for cooking
Choose pots that are just big enough for your food:
- Smaller pots mean less water to boil
- Less water means less time and energy to heat it
This is especially true for pasta, rice, and vegetables.
23. Soak pots and pans instead of scrubbing under running water
Instead of blasting stuck-on food with hot water:
- Add an inch or two of hot water, a bit of dish soap, and a splash of vinegar to the pan before you sit down to eat.
- Let it soak while you eat.
- Come back and wipe it out with much less scrubbing and rinsing.
You will conserve hot water and make cleaning easier.
How can you conserve water in your yard and garden?
Outdoor use can be a large share of a home’s water consumption, especially in dry climates. Smart landscaping choices can conserve water without sacrificing beauty.
24. Use efficient watering systems instead of overhead sprinklers
Traditional sprinklers often water sidewalks, driveways, and the street as much as plants. Consider:
- Drip irrigation for garden beds and shrubs
- Micro-sprayers that target plant roots
- Smart irrigation controllers that adjust for weather
Efficient irrigation systems can dramatically reduce outdoor water use while keeping plants healthier.
25. Choose drought-tolerant or native plants to conserve water outdoors
Lawns and thirsty plants require frequent watering. Switching part of your yard to:
- Drought-tolerant grasses
- Native plants suited to your climate
- Ground covers that need less irrigation
can cut outdoor water use significantly, especially during hot seasons.
26. Use a rain barrel to conserve water in your garden
A simple rain barrel attached to your gutter downspout can store 50 gallons or more every time it fills. That is free water for:
- Watering garden beds
- Giving trees and shrubs a slow soak
- Keeping containers happy during dry spells
In some regions, rainwater harvesting is encouraged with rebates, so check your local rules and incentives.
27. Measure soil moisture before you water
Many people overwater their lawns and plants. Overwatering is bad for both plants and your water bill.
Use a simple soil moisture meter or even your finger:
- If the top inch or two is still damp, wait before watering
- Focus only on dry zones that need attention
You will conserve water and help roots grow deeper and stronger.
28. Cover pools to reduce evaporation
If you have a pool, a lot of water can disappear into the air on hot, sunny days. A pool cover:
- Reduces evaporation
- Keeps debris out
- Can help retain heat
Less evaporation means less frequent top-ups with treated tap water.
According to EPA, household leaks can waste more than 1 trillion gallons of water each year in the USA, which is equal to annual water usage of 11 million homes.
29. Check outdoor hoses and irrigation lines for leaks
Hoses, spigots, and underground irrigation lines can develop cracks and leaks over time. Even small leaks can waste hundreds of gallons if they run regularly.
- Inspect visible hoses while the water is on
- Look for unusually wet patches in the lawn that may indicate underground leaks
- Replace worn washers and connectors
30. Water plants during cooler parts of the day
Watering in the early morning or late evening:
- Reduces evaporation
- Helps water soak deeper into the soil
- Gives plants time to drink before midday heat
This habit alone can conserve a lot of water in hot climates.
31. Use mulch or gravel to hold moisture in the soil
Cover bare soil with mulch, bark chips, or gravel around trees, shrubs, and garden beds. Mulch:
- Reduces evaporation from the soil
- Keeps roots cooler
- Helps control weeds that compete for water
This is a simple, low-maintenance way to conserve water outdoors.
32. Install a permeable weed barrier for new beds
When planting larger areas, consider laying down a water-permeable weed barrier or landscape fabric beneath mulch or gravel. It:
- Helps water reach roots
- Reduces weed growth
- Keeps the soil moist longer
This supports both water conservation and easier yard care.
According to UNICEF, about 4 billion people — two-thirds of the global population — experience water scarcity every year (for at least one month)
33. Keep weeds under control
Weeds may look small but they are serious water thieves. They pull valuable moisture away from the plants you actually want.
Regular weeding:
- Reduces competition for water
- Keeps your garden healthier
- Makes your irrigation efforts more effective
34. Group plants by water needs
Planting species with similar water needs together allows you to:
- Water areas strategically rather than all at once
- Avoid overwatering drought-tolerant plants to satisfy thirstier ones
This is a basic principle of xeriscaping, which focuses on water-efficient landscaping.
35. Plant trees for natural shade
Trees provide natural shade that keeps soil and surrounding plants cooler. Shaded areas:
- Lose less water to evaporation
- Require less frequent watering
Over time, trees can significantly reduce your yard’s water demand while also improving comfort and biodiversity.
36. Protect outdoor faucets from freezing
In cold climates, freezing temperatures can crack outdoor faucets and pipes, leading to hidden leaks when the weather warms up.
Use insulated faucet covers or wrap pipes before winter. This small investment helps you avoid expensive leaks and emergency water waste.
37. Use commercial car washes that recycle water
Washing your car at home with a running hose can use dozens of gallons of water, much of which runs off into storm drains.
Instead:
- Use a commercial car wash that recycles water
- If you must wash at home, use a bucket and brief rinse, not a constantly running hose
According to UNICEF, about 50% of global population could be living in the water scarce areas by 2025.
38. Wash pets on the lawn with biodegradable soap
If you are washing your dog or other pets, do it on a patch of lawn that needs water, and use biodegradable pet shampoo.
This way, the water:
- Cleans your pet
- Irrigates your grass
- Does not run wasted into the drain
39. Mow your lawn a bit higher
Keeping your grass around 2 to 3 inches tall:
- Shades the soil
- Reduces evaporation
- Encourages deeper roots
Taller grass can help your lawn stay greener with less frequent watering.
40. Leave grass clippings on the lawn
Instead of bagging grass clippings, use them as a light natural mulch. Clippings:
- Help hold moisture in the soil
- Slowly add nutrients back into the lawn
This reduces the need for both extra water and fertilizer.
41. Aerate your lawn for deeper water penetration
Lawn aeration punches small holes into the soil, which allows water to:
- Soak deeper into the root zone
- Reduce runoff
- Support healthier, more drought-resistant grass
Aerate at least once a year, especially in compacted or high-traffic areas.
How much water can you really conserve at home?
Conserving water is a long game built from small daily habits. A few final steps to make your progress visible:
- Check a recent water bill to see your current average monthly usage.
- Start with easy wins such as fixing leaks, installing low-flow shower heads and aerators, and shortening showers.
- After a month or two, compare your new bills with your baseline.
Between fixing leaks, upgrading a few fixtures, and changing shower and irrigation habits, many households can realistically cut their use by hundreds or even thousands of gallons per month.
Share your results with friends, neighbors, and online communities. The more people see that simple changes really conserve water, the more likely they are to join in.
FAQ: Common questions about how to conserve water at home
In many homes, the biggest indoor water uses are toilets, showers, and clothes washers, while outdoor lawn and landscape irrigation can dominate in dry regions.
Fixing leaks, installing low-flow shower heads and aerators, and adjusting irrigation can often save hundreds to thousands of gallons per month, depending on your starting point and household size.
Greywater from showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry can be reused safely for toilets or irrigation if it is handled correctly and local regulations allow it. Never use greywater for drinking, cooking, or bathing, and always follow local health codes.
Some of the best water-saving devices include:
- WaterSense labeled shower heads
- Low-flow or dual-flush toilets
- Low-flow faucet aerators
- Leak detection kits for toilets and fixtures
Even without major upgrades, renters can:
- Add removable low-flow aerators
- Shorten showers and use the stop-start method
- Report leaks quickly to the landlord
- Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the fridge
- Water any balcony plants efficiently with reused rinse water
These low-effort steps still help you conserve water, even if you cannot change the plumbing.
