Top 10 Ways to Design/Construct to Save Water in the Home
Reducing indoor water consumption is an easy first step in bringing down the overall water consumption in the home. Much of the Indoor water usage consists of heated water, so reducing indoor water consumption will impact both your clients water bill and energy bill.
1. Low-Flow Water Fixtures
- Showerheads — Showers account for approximately 17% of indoor residential water consumption and for the average family can account for over 40 gallons of water per day.
- Bathroom Fixtures — Residential bathroom and kitchen faucets account for approximately 15% of indoor residential water consumption.
- Toilets — Toilets account for approximately 30% of indoor residential water consumption.
| Fixture | Federal Standards | Low-Flow Options | Annual Savings for Average Family |
| Residential Showerheads | 2.5 GPM @ 80 PSI | 2.0 GPM | 2,300 Gallons1 |
| Residential Bathroom Faucets | 2.2 GPM @ 60 PSI | 1.5 GPF | 570 Gallons2 |
| Residential Toilets | 1.6 GPF | 1.28 GPF | 1,500 Gallons3 |
2. ENERGYSTAR Appliances
Although all ENERGYSTAR appliances are known for saving consumers energy, certification requirements for clothes washers and dishwashers include specific requirements for water conservation.
- Dishwasher — Standard size ENERGYSTAR certified dishwashers must use less than 3.5 gallons of water per cycle.
- Clothes Washer — ENERGYSTAR certified clothes washers use on average 25% less energy and about one-third less water than a typical clothes washer.
3. Structured Plumbing
- Shortening Runs
- Recirculation Loop
4. Leak Detection
As part of a smart home tech package, builders or home owners can install leak detectors where water damage could start: the laundry room, water heater closet, bathroom, and under a kitchen sink. Many leak detectors use metal sensors to detect increased conductivity when they come into contact with water. Learn more.
