Letting the water run while you brush your teeth might seem harmless, but did you know that simple act wastes up to 64 cups of clean, drinkable water every single time?
Water is a precious and limited resource. According to the EPA, although water covers 70% of our planet, less than 1% is drinkable. As our population grows, the available water supply remains the same, making conservation more critical than ever. One of the easiest places to start conserving is right at your bathroom sink.
According to the EPA, although water covers 70% of our planet, less than 1% is drinkable.
Reducing your water use isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for your wallet. Conserving water lowers your monthly utility bills and, if your home uses well water, helps preserve the local water table.
Why Conservation Matters
5 Easy Ways to Save Water at the Sink
1. Turn the Tap Off This is the simplest and most effective step. The EPA reports that leaving the water running can waste up to four gallons per brush. If you brush twice a day, that equals 8 gallons a day, over 200 gallons a month, and over 2,400 gallons a year. Just use the faucet to dampen your brush, turn it off, and turn it back on only to rinse.
2. Use a Reusable Cup Cupping your hands to drink from the faucet wastes water as it spills over, and it can introduce germs from your hands into your mouth. Switch to a reusable cup for rinsing; you’ll likely find you only need a fraction of the water you were using before.
3. Capture the “Warm-Up” Water While waiting for the tap to reach the right temperature, place a container under the faucet. You can use this captured water to fill your dog’s bowl, water your houseplants, or chill it in the refrigerator for drinking later.
4. Check for Leaks Brushing your teeth is the perfect time to inspect your sink for drips. Household leaks waste nearly 900 billion gallons of water nationwide every year. Just a few drips a day from a faulty faucet can waste hundreds of gallons annually. If you spot a leak, get it repaired immediately.
5. Upgrade Your Fixtures Consider replacing old faucets with modern, water-friendly alternatives. Look for the EPA WaterSense label, which identifies products that meet strict water-efficiency and performance criteria.
Call to Action: Take The Save Water Pledge
We all have habits we rarely question, like leaving the sink running. But by making one simple adjustment today, you can save almost 3,000 gallons of water per year.
Are you ready to make a difference?
- Turn off the tap tonight when you brush.
- Take the Save Water Pledge to commit to a more sustainable daily routine.
By turning off the tap, you are taking a meaningful step to protect our community and our future. Now, that’s something to smile about.
Try to get everyone in your household to do the same! Every drop counts!
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