Water Saving Tips - DEP

Environmental Protection


Water Conservation

Water Saving Tips


In or out of a drought, every New Yorker can save hundreds of gallons of water each week by following these simple water-saving tips.

Ways to Save Water

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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 to 7 gallons a minute

When taking a bath, fill the tub only halfway and save 10 to 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 to 3 gallons a minute.

Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket, and don’t flush it unnecessarily. 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 to 3 gallons a minute. Filling a basin only takes 10 gallons to wash and rinse.

Save Water Outdoors

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.

Use a rain barrel.

If you have a lawn or garden, visit Water-Saving Tips for Lawns & Gardens.

Save Water Everywhere

Repair leaky faucets and turn taps off tightly. A slow drip wastes 15 to 20 gallons each day.

Don’t open fire hydrants.

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.

You can also download the Do’s and Don’ts of Water Conservation.