order to immerse clothes sufficiently to clean them, frontloading washers use about 25 gallons per load. Thehorizontal wash tub allows clothes to be lifted through ashallow pool of water at the bottom of the tub. Frontloaders save energy too – 50% – or more by using less hotwater and by extracting more water during the spin cycle,clothes need less time for drying. In addition to savingwater, these new washers create less wear and tear onclothes, clean clothes better, and use less detergent.These machines save more water in one year than theaverage person drinks in a lifetime. To help defray theincremental cost of these new models, some gas andelectric utilities offer incentives.

DishwashersNewer energy and water efficientdishwashers exceed minimum federalgovernment standards. These newermodels operate on 13 - 25% less energy

and on as little as 6 gallons of water per load. Benefits tothe consumer include: lower utility bills, improved washingsystems that eliminate pre-rinsing, and less energy usedto heat the water to clean the dishes.

When selecting new appliances, check the water andenergy efficiency ratings in manufacturer’s specificationsor consumer magazines and look for the Energy Star label.

Make your old toilet a water saverHere are some easy ways to make yourolder model more efficient:

INSTALL one of several new toiletretrofit products available at hardware

stores. Some work only with certain toilets, so geta recommendation from your local plumber onthe right one for you.

REDUCE the volume of each flush byplacing a toilet dam or a water-filledplastic bottle weighted with gravel in thetank if you have not already installed a 1.6gallon toilet. Be sure not to interfere withthe flushing mechanism.(Note: do not use bricks as they might disintegrate.)

With a family of four using90,000 gallons of water ayear, wasted water can addup too – unnecessarilyincreasing household waterand energy costs. Here aresome of the ways to makeyour home and your habitsmore water efficient.

A few gallonsof water in the

kitchen, afew dozen in

the bathroom, a fewhundred on the lawn- it adds up quickly.

Build in Water Savings

How much does installing a 1.6 gallon toilet save? Installing all low flow toilets could cutyour toilet water use in half.Low flow toilets need only 1.6 gallons perflush,saving thousands of gallons eachyear, and unlike some earlier models,some low flow toilets available todayreceive high marks from consumers foroverall performance. And, recent studiesshow that the number of flushes perhousehold remains essentially the samein low-flow households, countering theargument that low-flow toilets requiremultiple flushes.

SIMPLE TEST FOR YOURSHOWER: Hold a bucket underneathyour showerhead for 20 seconds. If morethan one gallon accumulates, you need awater efficient showerhead.

Water efficient showerheadsSome showerheads may still use 3 - 7 gallons or more perminute. If you have not installed a showerhead which uses2.5 gallons per minute or less, you are missing an excellentway to save water and energy without sacrificing thebenefits of a satisfying shower.

Faucet aeratorsLow-flow faucet aerators mix air with tap water to

reduce the flow to 1.5 -2.5 gallons per minute.Faucets without aerators may be using 3 -7

gallons per minute.

Water & energy efficient appliances(Energy Star label)

HIGH EFFICIENCY WASHERS Unlike traditionalmachines, which must be filled to the top with water in

Leaky ToiletsThe trickling sound you hear in the bathroom could beyour toilet wasting 50 gallons of water a day - thousandseach year. Because you can’t always see or hear theseleaks, here’s a simple test:

Dripping Faucets & ShowerheadsWorn-out washers – the cause of most dripping faucetsand showerheads – cost pennies to replace and areeasily installed.

Leaky PipesCheck under sinks, behind your washing machine andaround basement plumbing for suspicious looking wetareas. Leaks not only waste water – they could bedamaging your walls, floors, and ceilings. Because homeowners and businesses alike have taken

FOR MORE INFORMATION:Massachusetts Water Resources AuthorityCharlestown Navy Yard, Boston, MA 02129 617-242-6000, www.MWRA.com.

The Massachusetts Legislature created MWRA in 1985 tomanage and modernize water and sewer services for 2.5million people and 5,500 business in 61 communities. Whilethe Boston Harbor Project and the Integrated WaterSupply Improvement Program are the best known projects,MWRA also maintains over 400 miles of water pipes,aqueducts and tunnels and over 240 miles of sewers.

150K 6/06

• Fix leaky faucets, pipes, toilets and save hundreds ofgallons per week.

• Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, shave, or dodishes.

• Don’t flush the toilet needlessly.• Run dishwashers and washing machines only when full or

adjust the water level setting accordingly.• Keep a jug of drinking water in yourrefrigerator to avoid running water until itis cold enough to drink.• Don’t fill the tub to the top when bathingand take shorter showers.

Simple Saving Tips

Ways To Save Water Everyday

water conservation to heart, MWRA water is currently ingood supply. The challenge lies in protecting oursupplies over the long term. With good water use habitsand efficient home plumbing and appliances you can helpmake that happen – and lower your water and energy costs.

For more information about how MWRA and your localwater supplier bring you the water you need every day, orto get more detailed information on water efficient toilets,appliances or smart outdoor water use call the MWRA:Water Efficiency: 617-242-SAVEGeneral Information: 617-242-6000, www.MWRA.com

FIND & FIX HOUSEHOLD LEAKSThere is a good chance you have atleast one leak in your home that couldbe wasting hundreds of gallons ofwater a week, costing you money.

TEST TO TRY AT HOME:Put a few drops of blue food coloringin your toilet tank. Do not flush. If colorappears in the bowl within 10 -15minutes, you have a leak. To repair it,

the flush valve (“flapper”) or the valve seat may need tobe cleaned or replaced. Parts are inexpensive and easyto install.

refillpipe outlet

to toilet

floatball

guidewire

float armtrip lever

overflowtube flush

valve

valveseat

ballockassembly IN THE HOME

MASSACHUSETTS WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY

WATERINDOOR

CONSERVATION

For tips on how to use water moreefficiently outdoors, see our brochure -OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION.

WATER CONSERVATION KITSWater Conservation Kits are offeredfree of charge. Just fill out therequest form found on MWRA.com.