Between the Mighty Mississippi on the west and the 9 Lakes Region on the east, Tennessee is rich in water resources. But that doesn’t mean we want to waste it. It takes energy to process it into clean, potable water. It also costs you money, which is why you’ll want to know these x tips to conserve water in your home.

Tips to Conserve Water From City Officials

Nashville leadership has some tips for residents to reduce their water bill and save precious resources:

1. Take showers instead of tub baths

2. Use your dishwasher instead of washing by hand

3. Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth or shaving

4. Collect rainwater for landscaping and gardens

5. Water your garden in the early morning or evening to prevent evaporation

6. Install water efficient toilets, showerheads, and appliances

Tips to Conserve Water in the Home

These tips can help you take your water-saving efforts up a notch for even more efficiency:

1. Check for Leaks

Leaky showerheads and faucets can add up over time. Toilets that “run” are especially bad water wasters. Luckily, these are usually a quick fix that most homeowners can perform.

2. Check Your Flush

It’s tempting to discard things in the toilet and flush them away. But this clogs your toilet and wastes water. Throw paper waste, wet wipes, and facial tissue in the trash can instead.

3. Laundry Loads

Your washer uses up to 20 gallons of water per load. Make the most of it by only washing full loads.

Tips to Conserve Water Outdoors

When outdoors in your garden or garage, use these four tips to conserve water when maintaining your home’s exterior.

1. Plant drought-tolerant landscaping plants that thrive on natural rainfall.

2. Inspect your sprinkler system for leaks and consider upgrading to a WaterSense irrigation controller.

3. Sweep your drive and walkways rather than hosing them clean.

4. Use a commercial car wash that recycles water instead of washing your car at home.

Extreme Conservation

Try these creative water-saving tips:

1. Use dirty fish tank water in the garden instead of pouring it down the drain.

2. Water houseplants with leftovers from your pet's water bowl.

3. Save water from cooking or cleaning vegetables for use in the garden

The Most Important Tip for Conserving Water

Learn how to read your water meter and water bill. Extreme changes in your bill will show you if you’ve been wasting water by accident. Your water meter can help you check for leaks in your plumbing.

Conserving water can help the environment and save you money on utility bills. Upgrading to water-wise and energy efficient appliances reduces your costs and increases the value of your home.

Talk to your local plumbing expert when it comes to upgrades. Make an appointment today with the pros at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Nashville about updating your bath fixtures and appliances.