Save Water Now!Home Audit Are you water smart? Review the checklist below to find out! BATHROOMS Technology: Do you have high efficiency toilets and showerheads? What about faucets or aerators? Do you know the flow rate of your bathroom fixtures? For toilets, the flow rate should be less than or equal to 1.28 gallons per flush or 4.85 litres per flush; for faucets, less than or equal to 1.5 gallons or 5.68 litres per minute; and for showers, less than or equal to 2.0 gallons or 7.57 litres per minute. Is your toilet leaking? Toilets are the highest consumers of water in most homes. If you have a leak, you will need to replace the toilet flapper or refill valve. Practice: Do you shower for longer than 5 minutes? Do you fill the tub every time you bathe? Do you turn off the water while brushing your teeth, washing hands or soaping while showering? Do you flush the toilet only when necessary? Do you turn off the faucet properly? PLUMBING Technology: Do you know how to read your water meter? Have you had the water pressure in your home checked? Do your interior or exterior faucets drip? Practice: Is your water heater leaking? Is there water accumulating on the floor? Are pipes under sinks leaking when the water is turned on or off? Do you have sediment filters installed? KITCHEN Technology: Do you have an ice maker? Is it leaking behind the refrigerator? Do you have an Energy Star dishwasher? Is the plumbing to your dishwasher leaking? Do you know the flow rate of your kitchen faucet? For faucets, the rate should be less than or equal to 1.5 gallons or 5.68 litres per minute. Practice: Do you fill the kitchen sink (or a container) with water to wash and rinse dishes? Do you turn off the water while washing dishes? Do you use the dishwasher only when it’s full? LAUNDRY Technology: Do you have an Energy Star washing machine? Washing machines are the second largest consumer of water in most homes after toilets. Is the plumbing to your washing machine leaking? Practice: Do you adjust the water setting for the washing machine depending on size of load? OUTDOOR Technology: Do you have a pool? Does it have an autofill? Is there a leak by the pump or filter? Do you irrigate your garden with a hose or sprinkler? Does the connection leak when you turn on the device? Do you have water intensive plants such as palm trees? Practice: Do you use a hose or a broom to clean the driveway or sidewalk? Do you use a bucket when washing the car?
