Indoor Water Use in the United States

mericans use large quantities of water inside their homes. A family of four can use 400 gallons of water every day, and, on average, approximately 70 percent of that water is used indoors. The bathroom is the largest consumer of indoor water. The toilet alone can use 27 percent of household water. Almost every activity or daily routine that hap pens in the home bathroom uses a large quantity of water. For example: Older toilets use between 3.5 and 7 gallons of water per flush. However, WaterSense labeled toilets use at least 60 percent less water. A leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water every day. A bathroom faucet generally runs at 2 gallons of water per minute. By turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving, a person can save more than 200 gallons of water per month.

How Much Water Do We Use?

Source: American Water Works Association Research Foundation, Residential End Uses of Water, 1999

Washing the dishes with an open tap can use up to 20 gallons of water, but filling the sink or a bowl and closing the tap saves 10 of those gallons. Keeping a pitcher of water in the refrigerator saves time and water instead of running the tap until it gets cold. Not rinsing dishes prior to loading the dishwasher could save up to 10 gallons per load.

Outside the bathroom, there are many opportunities to save water. Here are some common water-efficiency measures, along with a few solutions to those problems you may not have known existed:

High-efficiency washing machines can conserve large amounts of water. Traditional models can use 50 gallons or more of water per load, but newer, energy- and water-conserving models (front-loading or top-loading, non-agitator ones) use less than 27 gallons per load.

WaterSense, a partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, seeks to help families and businesses realize that they can reduce water use by doing just a few simple things, such as upgrading to higher quality, more efficient products. For more information, visit <www.epa.gov/watersense>.

June 2008

(866) WTR-SENS (987-7367) www.epa.gov/watersense watersense@epa.gov

EPA-832-F-06-004

United States Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Water (4204)

EPA832-F-99-082 April 2000 www.epa.gov/owm/genwave.htm

Using Water Efficiently: Ideas for Residences

fficient water use can have major environmental, public health, and economic bene fits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources. Efficient use of water, through behavioral, operational, or equipment changes, if practiced broadly can help mitigate the effects of drought. Efficiency measures can also save the homeowner money on their water and energy bills. This list of measures is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather a starting point. Other sources of information on water efficiency are available through EPAs web site (http://www.epa.gov/OWM/genwave.htm), and innumerable other sources, some of which may be accessed through the EPA web site, or through WaterWiser, The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse (http://www.waterwiser.org). Bathroom where over half of all water use inside a house takes place:
Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth. Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water while soaping or shampooing. If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full. Bathe small children together. Never use your toilet as a waste basket.

Kitchen and Laundry simple practices that save a lot of water:

Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool. Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush. Do not use water to defrost frozen foods; thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher; wash only full loads. Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal. Wash only full loads of laundry or use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.

Equipment homes with high-efficiency plumbing fixtures and appliances save about 30% of indoor water use and yield substantial savings on water, sewer, and energy bills:

Consider purchasing high-efficiency toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with operation of the toilets flush mechanisms. Install low-flow faucet aerators and showerheads. Consider purchasing a high efficiency washing machine which can save over 50% in laundry water and energy use. Repair all leaks. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If the colored water appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Toilet repair advice is available at <www.toiletology.com/index.shtml>.

Landscape Irrigation depending on climate, up to 75% of a homes total water use during the growing season is for outdoor purposes (During drought conditions outdoor watering restrictions may be imposed, so some of the following tips will not apply.):

Detect and repair all leaks in irrigation system. Use properly treated wastewater for irrigation where available. Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day (early morning is best). Do not water on windy days. Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants that require smaller amounts of water more often. Check with the local extension service for advice on watering needs in your area. Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only not the street or sidewalk. Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems for trees and shrubs. Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems. Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth. Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage movement of water to the root zone. Raise your lawn mower cutting height longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth. Minimize or eliminate fertilizing, which promotes new growth needing additional watering. When outdoor use of city or well water is restricted during a drought, use the water from the air conditioning condenser, dehumidifier, bath, or sink on plants or the garden. Dont use water that contains bleach, automatic-dishwashing detergent or fabric softener.

Other Outdoor Uses:

Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off. Wash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recy cles water. When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle. Avoid purchasing recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water. Consider purchasing a new water-saving swimming pool filter. Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used. Do not install or use ornamental water features unless they recycle the water. Use signs to show the public that water is recycled. Do not operate during a drought.

USEPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines

Appendix A

APPENDIX A WATER CONSERVATION MEASURES

This Appendix to the EPA Guidelines for Preparing Water Conservation Plans describes the water conservation measures that water utilities can use in designing water conservation programs. As part of their conservation plans, planners should consider, at a minimum, each of the measures specified in the Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced Guidelines, depending on which set of Guidelines apply to the water system. The measures are organized into three general categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Within each level are four subcategories that are used to organize a variety of specific conservation measures:

Level 1 Measures Universal metering Water accounting and loss control Costing and pricing Information and education Level 2 Measures Water-use audits Retrofits Pressure management Landscape efficiency Level 3 Measures Replacements and promotions Reuse and recycling Water-use regulation Integrated resource management

This system of organizing the conservation measures recognizes that the measures considered can vary with the size and capability of the system. Water systems are strongly encouraged to explore the fullest range of conservation measures practical, including measures beyond the minimum measures suggested in the Guidelines that they are following. Many smaller and middle-sized utilities have been very successful in implementing a wide range of beneficial conservation programs. What follows is a description of each of the twelve subcategories of measures. The Guidelines provide checklists that planners can use in reviewing measures. However, planners are encouraged to consider as many measures as practical given their capability and the conditions they seek to address. In some cases, planners may choose to consider and implement selected measures beyond those minimally recommended for consideration.

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Appendix A

Although this list of conservation measures is relatively current and comprehensive, planners should not limit their analysis only to the measures mentioned here. Planners also should consider new technologies and approaches as they become available. Letters next to each category indicate whether the measures in that category are considered particularly useful in reducing average-day demand [A], maximum-day or peak demand [P], both [B]. Worksheets for some of the conservation measures are provided at the end of this Appendix.

Level 1 Measures
Universal Metering [B]
Advanced Guidelines Intermediate Guidelines Basic Guidelines Source-water metering Fixed-interval meter reading Test, calibrate, repair, and Service-connection Meter-accuracy analysis replace meters metering and reading Meter public-use water

Measures Universal metering [B]

Metering is a very fundamental tool of water system management and conservation. Worksheet A-1 can be used by systems to assess their metering practices. Source-water metering. Both the supplier and the customer benefit from metering. Source metering is essential for water accounting purposes. Service-connection metering. Service-connection metering is needed to inform customers about how much water they are using; suppliers use metering data to more accurately track water usage and bill customers for their usage. Public-use water metering. All water provided free of charge for public use should be metered and read at regular intervals. This will allow the utility to more accurately account for water. Lack of metering undermines loss control, costing and pricing, and other conservation measures. Fixed-interval meter reading. A program of fixed-interval meter reading is essential to determine the amount of nonrevenue-producing water. Source meters and service connection meters should be read at the same relative time in order to facilitate accurate comparisons and analysis. Readings generally should occur at regular intervals, preferably monthly or bimonthly. Estimated bills should be kept at a minimum, subject to state and local regulations. Meter accuracy. Water meters can be damaged and deteriorate with age, thus producing inaccurate readings. Inaccurate readings will give misleading information regarding water

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EPA832-F-99-083 April 2000 www.epa.gov/owm/genwave.htm

Using Water Efficiently:

Ideas for Communities

fficient water use can have major environmental, public health, and economic bene fits by helping to improve water quality, maintain aquatic ecosystems, and protect drinking water resources. Efficient use of water, through behavioral, operational, or equipment changes, if practiced broadly can help mitigate the effects of drought. This list of measures is not meant to be comprehensive, but rather a starting point. Other sources of information on water efficiency are available through the Guidelines referenced below, EPAs web site (http://www.epa.gov/OWM/genwave.htm), and innumerable other sources, some of which may be accessed through the EPA web site, or through WaterWiser, The Water Efficiency Clearinghouse (http://www.waterwiser.org). Getting Started:
Designate a water efficiency coordinator. Develop a water efficiency plan. See the U.S. EPA Water Conservation Guidelines.* Educate and involve employees, residents and school children in water efficiency efforts.

System Improvements Keep a tight system, look at alternative sources:

Implement a water-loss management program (e.g. repair leaks). The water industry goal for unaccounted-for-water is 10%. Utilities should strive for universal metering. Consider a reclaimed wastewater distribution system for non-potable uses. Ensure that fire hydrants are tamper proof.

Equipment changes Set a good example by using water efficient

equipment.

Install high-efficiency toilets, or retrofit water-saving devices on existing ones. Install faucet aerators and low flow shower heads in municipal buildings. As municipal appliances or equipment wear out, replace them with water-saving models. Eliminate once-through cooling of equipment with municipal water by recycling water flow to cooling tower or replacing with air-cooled equipment. Minimize the water used in space cooling equipment in accordance with manufacturers recom mendations. Shut off cooling units when not needed. Consider installing new water-saving pool filters.

Policies and Programs to Encourage Efficient Water Use:

Ensure the utility rate structure encourages water efficiency, or at least does not discourage it. Make retrofit kits for residences and businesses available free or at cost. Kits may contain low flow faucet aerators, high efficiency showerheads, leak detection tablets, and replacement valves. Promote water-efficient landscape practices for homeowners and businesses, especially those with large, irrigated properties. Practices include use of native plants, landscape renovation to reduce water use, and more efficient irrigation.

Offer incentive programs (rebates/tax credits) to homeowners and businesses to encourage replacement of plumbing fixtures and appliances with water-efficient models. Conduct water-use audits of homes, businesses and industries. Audits provide users with invaluable information about how water is used and how usage might be reduced by specific measures.

Other Measures For a full list of municipal water efficiency measures see Appendix A of the U.S. EPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines.

*The U.S. EPA Water Conservation Plan Guidelines may be obtained from the Office of Water Resource Center at 202-260-7786. Ask for document number EPA 832-D-98-001.