You can conserve water in your kitchen without sacrificing taste or cleanliness.
- Automatic dishwashers claim the most water in kitchens — about 12 gallons per run. The secret here is to make sure the washer is fully loaded before you turn it on. It’s going to take 12 gallons whether there’s a full load of dishes or just a couple of cups.
- Don’t bother rinsing the dishes in the sink before you put them in the dishwasher. Scrape them clean and let the machine do the rest.
- Are you the dishwasher in your household? Remember not to wash dishes with the water running. A sink full of wash water and one of rinse water will do the job just as well.
- Don’t let the faucet run when you scrub vegetables or prepare other foods, either. Put a stopper in the sink and use the water collected in the sink instead.
- And for a cold drink of water, don’t stand at the sink and let the water run endlessly. Fill a jug with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a refreshing cold drink anytime.
— American Water Works Association
