We all know that water is essential to everyday life, but how much of an active role do we play in protecting and preserving our water resources? More than you might think. According to the US EPA, it’s estimated that about half of the water we use outdoors gets wasted, and toilets alone account for nearly 30 percent or more of an average home's indoor water consumption.

Only about 1 percent of our planet’s water is drinkable, so it’s important to save water whenever possible to help protect the availability of our water sources. As an added bonus, saving water will also save you money on your water bill.

To use less water, it’s helpful to know how much you’re using and where. American Water is a member of the Alliance for Water Efficiency. Check out their online Water Calculator. This tool allows you to input water use information specific to your household and offers tips on where you can save water and energy based on that data.

• Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are full. If you have a water-saver cycle, use it.
• Adjust the water level of your clothes washer so it matches your load size.
• Regularly check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks with our free leak detection kits. If you find a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible. Learn more about detecting leaks here.
• Check your water meter before and after a one-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
• Consider water and energy-efficient appliances. Products and services that have earned the WaterSense label have been certified to be at least 20 percent more efficient without sacrificing performance. The USEPA reports that EPA-certified Energy Star washing machines may use 35% less water per load. Water-saving showerheads, toilets and faucet aerators can also help cut your water usage.
• Insulate exposed water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation. You’ll enjoy hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or washing dishes in the sink.

• Lawn watering uses a lot of water. Water your lawn only when it needs it. An easy way to tell if your lawn needs water is to simply walk across the grass. If you leave footprints, your lawn may be thirsty! Generally, lawns only need an inch or so of water per week during the summer months. Water your lawn wisely by:
• Making the most of your watering by watering in the early morning. As much as 30 percent of water can be lost to evaporation by watering during midday.
• Planning for fewer, deep-soaking waterings to encourage deep root growth and stronger turf.
• Set your lawn mower one notch higher to make your lawn more drought-tolerant.
• Use drip irrigation hoses to water plants, and water in the early morning or evening.
• Consider using porous pavement (gravel is a good example) instead of asphalt for driveways and walkways, the rain will soak into the soil instead of running off and contributing to erosion.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your sidewalk, driveway, or patio.
• Plant appropriately for your local climate. Check with local nurseries for non-invasive, drought-tolerant plants.

This free irrigation efficiency webinar will help irrigation contractors and customers minimize outdoor water waste this spring and into the summer months. The presentation debunks common irrigation misconceptions in the industry while providing practical solutions for landscaping contractors and other irrigation users to optimize their water usage.  It has also been approved by the Landscape Irrigation Contractor Examining Board for 1.5 Continuing Education Credits (CEC) in Water Conservation.

Using innovative technologies, New Jersey American Water can detect and fix leaks before they become large breaks, saving water and money, as well as reducing disruption of service to customers. Based on two full years of data, we estimate that the leak detection technology we’ve deployed has allowed us to prevent approximately 1.7 million gallons of water from being treated, pumped and then leaked out into the environment each day. Learn more about the Water Loss Management Program.