Birch Bay Water and Sewer District

Majority of our daily water consumption occurs inside the home.  The average water consumption for a single family home is 69 gallons of water per person per day for cooking and cleaning!  Simple and small changes in your daily water use can amount to large savings over time.  Tips towards a water efficient home are:

 BATHROOM

1. Installing a high-efficiency toilet is a great way to save water and money.

2. Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes and save up to 1,000 gallons of water per month.

3. Install a low-flow showerhead that has a flow rate less than 2.5 gallons per minute and save more than 500 gallons a week.

4. Turn off the water while you shave or brush your teeth and save more than 100 gallons of water a week. 

KITCHEN

1. When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water fun while rinsing.  Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.  If you don’t have two sinks, use a big pot or bowl for rinsing.

2. Operate the dishwasher with full loads only and use shorter wash cycles.  If you are looking to purchase a new dishwasher, consider purchasing energy efficient models with either an EnergyStar or WaterSense label.   

3.  Install a low-flow faucet aerator – it mixes air with water to keep the pressure high while using less water.  Low-flow faucet aerators are inexpensive and easy to install yourself!  Save up to 5 gallons per day.

LAUNDRY

1.  Run washing machines with full loads only on shorter wash cycles and with the least amount of water possible.  Save up to 33 gallons per load. 

2.  Upgrade to a front-loading washing machine.  Front-loading washing machines use up to 40% less water and up to 60% less energy than top-loading machines.  Save up between 5-30 gallons per load.