Bathroom Water Conservation Tips

Solar House	PicoTurbine Windmill	SCG-125 Snap Circuits Green Alternative Energy
Ages 12 thru High School	Age 10 thru college	Ages 8 and up

Help you children become aware by encouraging them to do bathroom water science fair projects.

Toilet

1. Only flush when necessary.
2. Only use your toilet for personal necessities. It is not a garbage disposal trash can.
3. If you renovate your bathroom, consider installing an ultra low-flow toilet. These use 1.6 gallons of water per flush vs. 3.5 gallons or more. Now you can purchase a ½ flush and full flush toilet.
4. Install a water-saving displacement device. For older toilets purchase or make a device that won't harm your plumbing such as a weighted plastic jug full of water or a toilet dam. Check with your hardware store to make sure that what you are installing does not interfere with operating parts. DON'T use a brick because it disintegrates and causes problems.
5. Check overflow pipes to be sure that water isn't draining. Ask the WSSC Office of Communications for a leak detector kit or add dark food coloring to your tank water. DON'T FLUSH! Check the water in your toliet bowl 15-20 minutes later. If you have color in your toilet bowl, it means you have a leak.

Sinks

1. Fill bowl with water instead of letting water run when you wash, brush teeth or shave.

2. Repair leaks, attend to drips promptly.
3. Install water saving devices. Try a faucet aerator to reduce amount of water used.
4. Do not leave water running when shaving or brushing your teeth.

Tub or Shower

1. Repair all water leaks and drips.
2. Take shallow baths and plug the drain before you run water.

3. Take short showers instead of baths.
4. Keep showers short with pressure at low force.
5. Re-use bath water to water your lawn or shrubs or for heavy cleaning jobs like floors or cars.
6. Install low-flow aerators and showerheads, flow restrictor or cut off valve (lets you shut off water at shower head while soaping up and shampooing without changing the faucet setting).

We are always adding to our list of science fair projects about energy conservation.