Some older shower use more than 5 gallons per minute (gpm). Newer showerheads following standards of Florida Building Code use 2.5 gpm. You could save even more water by installing WaterSense®-labeled models that use 2.0 gpm.
A full tub typically holds 36 gallons. By filling the tub one-third full, you can save up to 24 gallons per bath.
Garden tubs use approximately 30 gallons more per bath than a regular tub.
Consider replacing older model toilets with new, high-efficiency models. Older models use 3.5 gallons per flush. Also, save water in the bathroom by disposing of tissue, insects and other such wastes in a trash can rather than the toilet. In the chart below, use the Florida Building Code number if your house was built after Jan. 1, 1994, or use the WaterSense® number if you have recently retrofitted your fixtures. Otherwise, use the Pre 1994 number. The average number of flushes per person per day is four.
Most family members brush their teeth two times per day for an average of two minutes. Leaving the faucet on while brushing your teeth wastes water.
Retrofitting your faucet with a low–flow aerator will help save water in your home. Faucet aerators are circular screened disks that screw onto the faucet to reduce flow. Aerators are inexpensive and easy to install.
Check the flow number on the rim of the faucet aerator.
The amount of water used for hand washing differs depending on where you wash your hands. Kitchen faucets typically have higher flow rates than bathroom faucets. For hand washing in the bathroom, enter your information next to the Florida Building Code number or WaterSense® lines as appropriate for a newer building and next to the Pre 1994 number for a home built prior to 1994.
Kitchen faucets have 2.2 gallons per minute flow rate. An aerator will lower your water use.
The amount of water used for hand washing differs depending on where you wash your hands. Kitchen faucets typically have higher flow rates than bathroom faucets. For hand washing in the kitchen, enter your information next to the Florida Building Code number for a newer building and next to the Pre 1994 number for a home built prior to 1994.
A family that replaces an older dishwasher with a new, water-efficient model could save about 800 gallons of water per year. Newer models also are more energy efficient and will help you save utility costs. (Source: American Water Works Association).
A non-conserving washing machine uses an average of 30 gallons of water per load. To save water, consider replacing your older model with a high-efficient model that uses an average of 18 gallons per load. Engergy Star® models are high efficiency. For washing machines with variable settings for water volume, select the minimum amount required per load. If load size cannot be set, operate the washer with full loads only.
In the chart below, list other ways you use water indoors, such as in preparing food, etc. Then estimate the number of gallons you use for each activity.
Some additional tips to consider:
- Repair leaks, drips and running toilets.
- Do not use running water to thaw frozen food.
- Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it.
In the chart below, list other ways you use water outdoors. You will need to estimate the number of gallons used.
Some additional tips to consider:
- Position sprinklers to water the lawn not the street or driveway.
- Use the appropriate sprinkler head for the type of area you want to water.
- Plant drought-tolerant or Florida-friendly grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.
The amount of rainfall your area receives should dictate how often you water your lawn and how much water you apply. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for as long as two weeks. Overwatering your lawn results in shallow roots, and promotes weed growth, disease and fungus. Water your lawn only when it shows signs of stress such as the lawn turning bluish-gray, leaf blades fold in half lengthwise or when footprints and tire tracks linger.
If supplemental irrigation is needed, it is allowed no more than two days a week during daylight saving time, no more than one day a week during Eastern Standard Time and only on designated days. Watering is only allowed before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Wash your car efficiently. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass and use a hose with a spray nozzle. Efficiently washing your car with an automatic shut–off nozzle and spraying only as needed to rinse would use about 120 gallons (assuming a total rinse time of 10 minutes with a hose that delivers water at 12 gallons per minute [gpm]). By comparison, washing your car and leaving the hose running at a rate of 12 gpm during the roughly 45-minute process would use 540 gallons of water.
Outdoor faucets deliver an average of 8-12 gallons per minute (gpm).
At 12 gpm watering your lawn using a hose uses about 720 gallons per hour.
Definitions
Florida Building Code — The current (2011), statewide uniform building code that applies to all new construction, additions to existing buildings, manufactured homes and renovations that set minimum standards that must be met for plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, etc.
WaterSense® — Products are labeled with a WaterSense® label if they meet water efficiency criteria as established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. WaterSense®is a partnership program to help consumers choose products that save water and protect the environment.
Pre 1994 — Significant updates were made to Florida Building Codes in 1994 to increase water and energy efficiency. Buildings constructed prior to 1994 that have existing fixtures are not as water or energy efficient as structures built to current building standards.
ENERGY STAR® — Labeling for products that are tested and rated as energy efficient by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy.
Thank you for taking this home water use survey. If you would like to learn other ways that you can save water, please visit www.sjrwmd.com/waterconservation.