Top 10: Ways to Start Saving Water in your Kitchen

Top 10: Ways to Start Saving Water in your Kitchen

Stephanie Kinnear
Jul 19, 2007

Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.

We've been thinking about water a lot lately. Here in San Francisco, there's too much mercury in the bay and, as a result, in the fish. Elsewhere, there's simply not enough water.

So, we've been making a much more concerted effort to conserve, mostly in the kitchen as that seems to be where we end up using/wasting the most.

But where to start?

• First, just be aware of your water consumption. Do you leave the water running unnecessarily while washing the dishes? Consider calculating a water budget (instructions here) so that you have an idea of how much water you use.

• Now that you are paying attention to how much water you're using, consider changing one of your water-wasting habits. Is there any water going down your drain that could be saved for watering the plants?

• Fix that leaky kitchen faucet—you could save up to 3-gallons of water a day.

• If you have a dishwasher, only run it when it's absolutely full.

•If you don't have a dishwasher (and you want one), consider making the investment. That's right: We know this is a controversial topic, but a few months ago we read a compelling fact in a great article ("Counter Measures: Ten ways to green your kitchen") at You could save 37 percent more water, if you have a relatively new dishwasher and you use it correctly.

• If you're still adamantly opposed to dishwashers (or can't afford one), how about installing a very cool contraption that allows you to control your kitchen faucet with a pedal? They're available at for around $200. With one of these you'll never leave the water running while you dry the coffee mugs again.

• Consider composting over running your garbage disposal. It's tip #14 over at, and we think they make a good point. Besides, composting is a great thing to do anyway.

As you can see, we haven't gotten to ten yet, but we're hoping you can add your suggestions.

Related article:
How to: Green your Dishwasher

Image: Via

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