Fresh water is a finite resource but nearly half the water that passes through the pipes in a typical home goes to waste. If you live in a “water-rich” region it’s easy to take it for granted but nearly 75% of the states in the U.S. expect a local, regional or statewide water shortage within the next five years. Wasting water depletes this quickly diminishing resource and can cost you money. There are simple ways to cut down your water usage without compromising comfort.

The US Green Build Council (USGBC) and the US EPA Energy Star programs have led the way in water conservation at home. The USGBC’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program sets guidelines for green building and offers specs that identify eco-friendly products. The Energy Star program offers easy ways to identify water and energy conserving appliances and fixtures.

Both programs have encouraged the growth of the green building product market. The misconception that “green” is inferior, uncomfortable or always more expensive is untrue. The reality is that eco-friendly products that help conserve water provide equal or better comfort and can help you save money.

High-efficiency Toilets

Toilets are responsible for a third of the water usage in the home. Older toilets made before 1980 can use up to 7 gallons per flush (gpf) generating excessive water use. Newer federal regulation in 1994 has capped water usage by toilets at 1.6 gpf, well below the old standard. High-efficiency toilets (HET) use less than 1.3 gpf and outperform old models with better design.

Installing a HET can save thousands of gallons of water per year and shave about a fifth off your water bill. According to the EPA, if every household in the U.S. replaced just one old toilet with a HET it would save more than 900 billion gallons of water per year.

Energy Star’s WaterSense label is an easy way to identify HETs. These products have been certified by an independent third party and are often eligible for considerable rebates to offset the cost of replacement. These rebates coupled with annual savings on your water bill quickly add up to thousands of dollars in savings over the life of the fixture.

High-efficiency Showers

An even simpler way to save water in the bathroom is to install an efficient showerhead. Showerheads made before 1992 released a whopping 5.5 gallons per minute (gpm). New regulations have cut the gpm requirements on showerheads to 2.5 gpm. While 2.5 gpm is the federal standard, many showerheads are rated at 2 gpm or less offering an opportunity to save 20% water more water.

It’s easy to replace your showerhead and typically costs less than $20. This simple upgrade can cut the water usage in your shower by over half without compromising comfort.

Low gpm aerating showerheads mix air into the water flow to create a generous spray. These not only create a comfortable shower they can help overcome low water pressure issues. Other models offer varied stream settings that can be adjusted to personal preferences.

Switching out your old showerheads for new versions that meet or exceed the EPA’s standards can save you $50-$100 annually on your water bill. This small investment can significantly decrease your water usage and is a simple way to produce perennial savings.

Simple Water Saving Strategies

In addition to installing water conserving fixtures, you can save water and money by making simple adjustments to your behavior. Adopt habits that reflect water as a precious resource including:

1. Turn off the tap when you are brushing your teeth, washing your hands or shaving. This simple act can save more than 5 gallons of water each time.
2. Keep showers as short as possible and turn off the water when you don’t need it.
3. Fix Leaks. A leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water per year. A leaky toilet can waste hundreds of gallons per day. Both are easy to fix.
4. Flush the toilet only when necessary and don’t use it as a wastebasket.
5. Help your kids learn the value of water by setting a good example in you own water use.

*Note: The information in this article is general advice and not meant as a substitute for personal guidance from a financial advisor, real estate professional, home improvement contractor or legal counsel. Although the author is a licensed realtor, the advice given in this article does not constitute any client contract or agreement between the author and the user. The author is not responsible for any losses, damages or claims that may result from your decisions.