Small changes add up to big savings. The average household can reduce water use by 20-30% with simple habits and low-cost upgrades. Use these tips to save water—and money—throughout your home.
Quick Wins (Start Today)
These no-cost changes can save thousands of gallons per year:
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving (saves 3,000+ gallons/year)
- Take shorter showers — aim for 5 minutes or less
- Run full loads only in dishwashers and washing machines
- Fix drips immediately — a faucet dripping once per second wastes 3,000 gallons/year
- Don't pre-rinse dishes — modern dishwashers don't need it
- Thaw food in the fridge, not under running water
- Keep drinking water in the fridge instead of running the tap until cold
Bathroom Tips
The bathroom accounts for about 65% of indoor water use. Focus here for the biggest impact.
Toilets
| Tip | Savings |
|---|---|
| Check for leaks monthly using the dye test | Up to 200 gal/day |
| Replace toilets made before 1994 with WaterSense models | 13,000 gal/year |
| Don't use the toilet as a trash can | 3-7 gal per flush |
Showers
| Tip | Savings |
|---|---|
| Install a low-flow showerhead (2.0 GPM or less) | 2,900 gal/year |
| Limit showers to 5 minutes | 12.5 gal per shower |
| Turn off water while lathering | 2+ gal per shower |
| Collect cold water in a bucket while waiting for it to warm—use for plants | Varies |
Faucets
| Tip | Savings |
|---|---|
| Install aerators (1.0 GPM for bathroom, 1.5 GPM for kitchen) | 700+ gal/year |
| Turn off water while brushing teeth | 8 gal per day |
| Turn off water while shaving | 10 gal per shave |
Get Free Water-Saving Devices
BPUB offers free conservation kits with low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and leak detection supplies.
Kitchen & Laundry Tips
Dishwashing
- Use the dishwasher — it uses less water than hand-washing when full
- Run full loads only — partial loads waste water and energy
- Skip pre-rinsing — scrape food into trash instead
- Choose efficient cycles when available
Laundry
- Run full loads — or adjust water level for smaller loads
- Use cold water when possible (saves energy too)
- Upgrade to high-efficiency — front-load washers use 40% less water
- Check hoses annually — replace every 5 years to prevent bursts
Cooking
- Steam vegetables instead of boiling
- Use the right size pot with a lid to boil water faster
- Reuse pasta water for watering plants (once cooled)
- Wash produce in a basin, not under running water
Outdoor Conservation
Outdoor watering can account for 50% or more of household water use—and much of it is wasted.
Follow Watering Restrictions
Combined U.S. Ownership
26.2%
884,416 ac-ft of 3,375,796 ac-ft
Amistad
550,329 ac-ft
Falcon
334,087 ac-ft
IBWC Weekly Report (05/02/2026)
See current drought stages for your watering schedule based on your address.
Smart Watering Practices
| Practice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Water early morning or late evening | Reduces evaporation by up to 30% |
| Water deeply, less often | Encourages deep roots, healthier plants |
| Check soil moisture first | Water only when top 2 inches are dry |
| Adjust for rain | Turn off irrigation after rainfall |
| Avoid windy days | Wind increases evaporation and drift |
Irrigation Efficiency
- Use drip irrigation for beds and gardens — delivers water to roots with minimal waste
- Install a smart controller that adjusts for weather
- Check sprinklers monthly — fix leaks, adjust heads to avoid watering pavement
- Water lawn areas separately from beds (different needs)
Landscape for Water Savings
- Choose drought-tolerant plants — see our plant guide
- Add 3-4 inches of mulch — reduces evaporation by 50%
- Reduce lawn area — replace with native groundcovers or mulched beds
- Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning)
- Raise mower height — taller grass (3-4 inches) retains moisture better
Pool & Spa
| Tip | Savings |
|---|---|
| Use a pool cover when not in use | Reduces evaporation by 90% |
| Lower water level to reduce splash-out | Varies |
| Check for and repair leaks promptly | Prevents major loss |
| Backwash filter only when needed | 250+ gal each time |
| Keep pool temperature moderate | Reduces evaporation |
Track Your Progress
- Read your meter — check monthly and compare to previous months
- Review your bill — look for unexpected increases
- Use MyAccount — BPUB customers can view detailed usage at ebill.brownsville-pub.com
- Set a goal — try to reduce usage by 10% this month
Rebates & Resources
GoGreen Rebates
Cash back for WaterSense toilets, efficient appliances, and more.
Learn moreFree Conservation Kits
Showerheads, aerators, and leak detection supplies.
Learn moreDetect & Fix Leaks
Step-by-step guide to finding hidden leaks.
Learn moreHome Energy Audit
Free professional assessment of your home.
Learn moreExternal Resources
- EPA WaterSense — Products, tips, and rebate finder
- Texas Water Development Board — State conservation resources
- Water Use It Wisely — 100+ water-saving tips
Report Water Waste
See water running into the street or watering during restricted hours? Help protect our water supply.