Water Saving Tips

Saving water can be as easy as fixing a leak or taking a shorter shower. And not only is it cost effective—it also protects our environment. If you pay a DEP water and sewer bill, we encourage you to sign up for leak notifications through your My DEP Account. For more information, visit Leaks.

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Reasons to Save Water

Saving Water is Cost Effective

Unused water can add up quickly. A slow drip wastes 15–20 gallons each day! Take a look at Leaks and Their Cost and Residential Water Use to see where you can save water and money.

If you are a DEP customer, sign up for our leak notification program through your My DEP Account.

Saving Water Reduces Greenhouse Gas Emissions

One way to reduce pressure on our sewer system is to use less water in our homes and businesses. The less water we let go down the drain or flush down the toilet, the less energy it takes for the City’s 14 wastewater treatment plants to process and treat it. As a result, using less water helps to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Learn more about the Wastewater Treatment Process.

Saving Water Protects Our Waterways

Whenever we do laundry, shower, wash dishes, or flush the toilet, the water we use goes down the drain and into the sewer. But when there’s a heavy rain storm, that “wastewater” may have to share the sewer with LOTS of rain water. On those days, our sewers can fill to capacity and a mix of wastewater and rain water can end up going into our waterways. Using less water during a heavy rain storm helps to keep our waterways clean for our community and wildlife!

Learn more about our Sewer System
Learn more about Combined Sewer Overflows

Ways to Save Water

You can also download the Do’s and Don’ts of Water Conservation or Los “sí” y los “no” de conservar agua en español.

Save Water On Your Block

On hot summer days, it can be tempting to open a fire hydrant. When hydrants are opened without a spray cap, they can use 1,000 gallons of water per minute (or more), reducing water pressure in the surrounding area, making it harder for the fire department to fight fires when necessary.

Use a Spray Cap When Opening a Hydrant

Your local fire station can help you open a fire hydrant safely and legally. Ask them to install a spray cap on a nearby hydrant that is located in a low traffic area so children are safe to play.

If you see a leaking or running fire hydrant, please report it to 311 or fill out this online form so we can follow up.

Learn more Extreme Heat Tips.

Save Water in Your Bathroom

Household leaks are most commonly found in the bathroom and especially in toilets. Use these tips to save water in the bathroom:

Take shorter showers and save 5–7 gallons a minute
When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10–15 gallons
Install water-saving toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators. Place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank if you cannot switch to a low-flow toilet.
Turn off the faucet while shaving, washing your hands or brushing your teeth. Faucets use 2–3 gallons a minute.
Only flush the four P’s: Poop, Pee, Puke, and Toilet Paper. Visit Trash It. Don’t Flush It. to learn more.

Learn how to Detect a Leak in Your Toilet.

Save Water in Your Kitchen

Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when full. Save even more by using the short cycle.
Install faucet aerators.
Turn off the water while washing dishes. Kitchen faucets use 2–3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.

Save Water on Your Lawn or Garden

Use a self-closing nozzle on your hose.
Sweep your sidewalk or driveway instead of using water.
Water plants before 9am or after 7pm and don’t overwater them.

Learn more Water-Saving Tips for Lawns & Gardens. If you are interested in using a rain barrel, learn more about how to participate in our Rain Barrel Giveaway Program.

Save Water in the Hotel Industry

Save Water in the Restaurant Industry

Workshop Slides

Save Water at Universities