Quick answer: The average American uses about 82 gallons of water a day at home, according to EPA WaterSense. California’s indoor water-use standard is 47 gallons per person per day since January 1, 2025, and it drops to 42 gallons in 2030. Outdoor watering often adds as much again, or more, in summer.

Key numbers at a glance

• 82 gallons: average water use per person per day at home in the U.S. (EPA WaterSense)
• More than 300 gallons: average American family’s daily use at home, with about 70 percent of it indoors (EPA WaterSense)
• 47 gallons per person per day: California’s indoor residential standard from 2025 through 2029, falling to 42 on January 1, 2030 (California Water Code 10609.4)
• 58.6 gallons: average indoor use per person per day in the national Residential End Uses of Water study (Water Research Foundation, REU2016)
• Up to 60 percent: share of household water that can go outdoors in dry regions, compared with about 30 percent nationally (EPA WaterSense)
• More than 9,300 gallons: water an average household’s leaks can waste each year (EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week)
• 748 gallons: the amount in one billing unit (CCF or HCF) on most water bills (EPA WaterSense)

Want your own estimate right now? Our free Household Water Simulator adds up your use fixture by fixture and compares it with California’s standard.

How much water does the average household use?

Water use is usually measured in gpcd, which means gallons per capita (per person) per day. It lets you compare a single-person apartment with a family of five.

Across the U.S., EPA WaterSense says each person uses about 82 gallons a day at home, and the average family uses more than 300 gallons a day (EPA). Those totals include both indoor use (toilets, showers, sinks, laundry) and outdoor use (lawns, gardens, pools, car washing).

Indoor use alone is lower. The Water Research Foundation’s Residential End Uses of Water study measured more than 23,000 single-family homes and found indoor use averaged 138 gallons per household per day, or 58.6 gallons per person (REU2016). That was 15 percent less per person than in the first version of the study in 1999, mostly because of more efficient toilets and clothes washers.

California’s indoor water standard (SB 1157)

California sets an indoor residential standard in state law. Senate Bill 1157, passed in 2022, lowered it in steps (California Water Code 10609.4):

• 55 gallons per person per day until January 1, 2025
• 47 gallons per person per day from January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2029
• 42 gallons per person per day starting January 1, 2030

One important detail: this standard is not a limit on your house. It is used to set water-use targets for water suppliers. Under the state’s Making Conservation a California Way of Life regulation, which took effect January 1, 2025, urban retail water suppliers are held to these water-use objectives, not individual households or businesses (State Water Resources Control Board). Still, 47 gpcd is a useful goal to measure your own home against.

Where the water goes inside your home

Here is how indoor use broke down per person per day in the REU2016 study (Water Research Foundation):

• Toilets: about 14.2 gallons. The average flush used 2.6 gallons, and people flushed about 5 times a day.
• Showers: about 11.1 gallons. The average shower lasted 7.8 minutes.
• Faucets: about 11.1 gallons, for drinking, cooking, cleaning and handwashing.
• Clothes washers: about 9.6 gallons. The average load used 31 gallons.
• Leaks: about 7.9 gallons, and some homes leaked far more.
• Baths, dishwashers and other uses: the small remainder.

EPA puts toilets at nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor use, making them the single biggest indoor user (EPA WaterSense). Older toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush, while WaterSense labeled models use 1.28 gallons or less.

Showers are next. A standard showerhead flows at 2.5 gallons per minute, and a WaterSense labeled one uses no more than 2.0 (EPA WaterSense). EPA says the average family could save about 2,700 gallons a year by switching.

Leaks are the sneaky one. EPA estimates household leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons a year per home, and 9 percent of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more per day (EPA). A running toilet flapper is a common cause.

Why outdoor watering dominates in summer

In much of California, outdoor use is the biggest piece of the bill from late spring through fall. Nationally, outdoor watering is about 30 percent of household use, but EPA says it can reach 60 percent in arid regions (EPA WaterSense). The Public Policy Institute of California reports that outdoor use accounts for nearly half of all urban water use in the state (PPIC).

Much of that water never reaches plant roots. EPA estimates that as much as 50 percent of outdoor water is lost to wind, evaporation and runoff from inefficient watering. That is why California’s Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance sets water budgets for new and renovated landscapes (CA Department of Water Resources), and why lawns are often the first thing cities target in a drought.

How to read your water bill

Many water bills do not show gallons. They show CCF or HCF, which both mean one hundred cubic feet. One CCF equals 748 gallons (EPA WaterSense).

When you look at your bill, find:

• Billing period: the start and end dates. Many utilities bill every month; some bill every two months.
• Usage: the number of CCF or HCF used in that period.
• Usage history: a chart of past months. A summer spike usually means outdoor watering. A sudden jump with no change in habits can mean a leak.
• Tiers or rates: some cities charge more per unit as you use more.

How to calculate your own gallons per person per day

You only need one water bill and a calculator.

1. Find your usage in CCF or HCF for one billing period.
2. Multiply by 748 to get gallons.
3. Count the days in the billing period.
4. Divide gallons by days to get gallons per day for your home.
5. Divide by the number of people who live there. That is your gpcd.
6. For an indoor-only estimate, repeat with a winter bill, when you water the yard least.

Example: a household of three uses 12 HCF in a 60-day billing period. 12 × 748 = 8,976 gallons. 8,976 ÷ 60 = about 150 gallons per day. 150 ÷ 3 = about 50 gallons per person per day. If that was a winter bill, this home is close to California’s 47 gpcd standard.

If you live in an apartment where water is not billed separately, use the simulator instead. It estimates use from your habits and fixtures.

Top ways to cut your household’s water use

• Find and fix leaks. Check the toilet by putting a few drops of food coloring in the tank; if color shows up in the bowl after several minutes without flushing, the flapper leaks. A smart leak detector can warn you about hidden ones.
• Upgrade or adjust old toilets. A WaterSense toilet or a dual-flush conversion cuts the biggest indoor use.
• Shorten showers and use an efficient showerhead. A shower timer makes a shorter-shower habit easy.
• Add faucet aerators. They are cheap and take minutes to install.
• Run full loads in the clothes washer and dishwasher.
• Water outdoors early in the morning and set your irrigation timer by season, not once a year.
• Replace thirsty lawn with native plants. Drought-tolerant plants often need much less watering once established.

Use the Household Water Simulator

The Household Water Simulator is a free tool from the Accessible Sustainability Alliance. It runs in your browser with no sign-up. Here is how to use it:

1. Pick your region. Santa Monica, California is the default. The region picker updates local water and energy assumptions.
2. Enter your household size.
3. Set your fixtures and habits, such as shower length, showerhead flow rate, toilet type and laundry loads per week.
4. Add outdoor watering, a pool or leaks if your home has them.
5. Read your gpcd. The simulator compares it with California’s 47 gpcd indoor standard and shows which fixture uses the most.
6. Run the drought stress test. It shows how your home would do if your water supplier ordered mandatory cutbacks, and which changes would get you there.
7. Check the hidden energy. Pumping, treating and heating water uses electricity and gas, so the simulator also shows the energy and carbon tied to your water use.

Teachers can have students compare a winter bill result with the simulator’s estimate. The difference is a good starting point for a class discussion about outdoor use and leaks.

Frequently asked questions

How much water does one person use per day in California?

California’s indoor standard is 47 gallons per person per day from 2025 through 2029, dropping to 42 in 2030. Actual use varies by city and season, and outdoor watering can push total use much higher in summer. Nationally, EPA says the average person uses about 82 gallons a day at home, indoors and outdoors combined.

Will I be fined if my household uses more than 47 gallons per day?

Not under the state standard itself. California applies the standard to water suppliers, not to individual households. Your local water supplier can still set its own rates, tiers or drought rules, so check your city’s water page.

How many gallons is one unit on my water bill?

Most bills measure water in CCF or HCF, which both mean one hundred cubic feet. One unit equals 748 gallons. Multiply your units by 748 to get gallons.

What uses the most water in a house?

Indoors, toilets are usually the biggest user, followed by showers, faucets and clothes washers. In California, outdoor watering often uses more than all indoor uses combined during summer.

What is a good gallons per person per day number?

Under 47 gallons per person per day indoors meets California’s current standard. The Water Research Foundation found that homes with efficient fixtures throughout could get below 40.

See your household’s water use

Ready to find your own number? Open the free Household Water Simulator, enter your household and fixtures, then run the drought stress test to see which changes save the most water, energy and money.

Related guides

• How to Install a Faucet Aerator to Cut Water Use
• How to Set a Sprinkler Timer Once and Never Touch It Again
• How to Reuse Greywater for Toilet Flushing

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Statistics and Facts
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, How We Use Water
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Understanding Your Water Bill
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Residential Toilets
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Showerheads
• Water Research Foundation, Residential End Uses of Water, Version 2: Executive Report (2016)
• California Water Code, Section 10609.4 (indoor residential water use standard, SB 1157)
• California State Water Resources Control Board, Making Conservation a California Way of Life
• Public Policy Institute of California, Water Use in California
• California Department of Water Resources, Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How Much Water Does a California Household Use? appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: One inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof can produce up to 623 gallons of water, and in California you do not need a water-rights permit to use rainwater collected from your rooftop.

Why it matters

Outdoor watering is one of the biggest water uses at home. The U.S. EPA WaterSense program says the average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than for showering and washing clothes combined.

Your roof is a large collector. UT Extension notes that a one-inch rain can generate up to 623 gallons of water on a 1,000-square-foot roof. To estimate your own roof, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension uses this formula: roof area in square feet × inches of rain × 0.623 = gallons. Want to see how much of your household’s water goes outdoors? Try the Household Water Simulator.

Is it legal to collect rainwater in California?

Yes. California’s Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750) says that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit. That means your household can fill a rain barrel from your downspout without asking the state for permission. Other states have their own rules, so check yours if you live outside California.

What you need

• A food-grade barrel with a lid (55 gallons is common), never one that held chemicals or oil
• A spigot with a bulkhead fitting, or washers and nuts to seal it
• An overflow fitting and a short hose
• Fine mesh screen for every opening
• A drill with a hole saw, plus sealant or plumber’s tape
• Cinder blocks or a sturdy stand
• A downspout diverter (optional)

How to set up a rain barrel

1. Find a food-grade barrel and rinse it well with soapy water.
2. Pick a spot next to a downspout on flat, firm ground. A full 55-gallon barrel weighs over 450 pounds, so the ground must not sink.
3. Build a level base, such as two layers of cinder blocks. Raising the barrel gives better water pressure and room to fit a watering can under the spigot.
4. Drill a hole a few inches above the bottom and install the spigot. Seal it so it does not drip.
5. Add an overflow fitting near the top. Point its hose toward a garden bed and away from your home’s foundation.
6. Cover every opening with fine mesh screen, including the inlet and the overflow, and keep the lid on tight.
7. Shorten or redirect your downspout so it flows into the screened inlet.
8. Use the water between storms so the barrel has room for the next rain.

How to keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel

Standing water can breed mosquitoes, so screening is the most important step. UNL Extension says covering openings with fine mesh screen is the most effective way to keep mosquitoes out. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District goes further and recommends a double layer of fine mesh window screen, including on the overflow.

Check your screens and lid often and fix any tears or gaps. If you think larvae are in the barrel, the district says to remove all of the water right away and scrub the inside walls to remove eggs.

Rain barrel rebates in the Los Angeles area

Many Southern California water customers can get a rebate through SoCal Water$mart. The program covers rain barrels and larger cisterns, but amounts vary by water agency and depend on available funding, so check the current amount for your address before you buy. Rules to know: homemade barrels do not qualify, units must be bought as complete products, and they need a cover and mosquito protection on the overflow. If you plan to build your own barrel, you will likely not get a rebate.

Tips

• Use rain barrel water on flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns. UNL Extension does not recommend it for fruit and vegetable gardens, and it is not safe to drink.
• Connect two barrels with a hose near the bottom to store more water from the same downspout.
• Empty the barrel on dry days so it is ready for the next storm.
• If you live where it freezes, drain the barrel and leave the spigot open for winter.

Frequently asked questions

How much water can a rain barrel collect?

A lot more than it can hold. One inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof can produce up to 623 gallons, so a 55-gallon barrel fills quickly. That is why the overflow hose and using the water between storms both matter.

Do you need a permit for a rain barrel in California?

No. Under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, using rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit. Your city may still have building or drainage rules, so it is smart to check before installing a large cistern.

Is rain barrel water safe for vegetable gardens?

UNL Extension does not recommend rain barrel water for fruit and vegetable gardens because roofs can add dirt and other contaminants. Use it on flowers, shrubs, trees and lawns instead. Never drink it or give it to pets.

How do you keep mosquitoes out of a rain barrel?

Cover every opening, including the overflow, with fine mesh screen and keep the lid tight. A local vector control district recommends two layers of fine window screen. If you see larvae, empty all the water right away and scrub the inside.

How heavy is a full rain barrel?

A full 55-gallon barrel weighs over 450 pounds, because one gallon of water weighs almost 8.5 pounds. Place it on firm, level ground with a strong base so it cannot tip over.

See your impact

Curious how much water your household could save by watering with rain? Enter your home and yard details in the Household Water Simulator to see where your water goes and which changes make the biggest difference.

Related guides

• How Much Water Does a California Household Use?
• How to Switch from Sprinklers to Soaker Hoses for Your Garden
• How to Landscape with Native Plants to Cut Water Use

Sources

• UT Extension, Rain Barrels Make Good Sense
• University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension, Stormwater Management: Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels (G2220)
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoors
• California Legislature, AB 1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, enrolled bill text
• San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, Keep Mosquitoes Out of Your Rain Barrel
• SoCal Water$mart, Rain barrel and cistern rebates

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated November 2, 2026.

The post How to Set Up a Rain Barrel for Free Garden Watering appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Buy a Wi-Fi leak sensor that doesn’t require a subscription, install its batteries, pair it with the maker’s free app on your home Wi-Fi, turn on phone notifications (and text or email alerts if offered), test it with a damp paper towel and place it on the floor near the water heater, washer or sink.

Why a leak detector matters

Leaks waste a surprising amount of water. EPA WaterSense estimates that the average household’s leaks can waste more than 9,300 gallons of water a year, and that 9 percent of homes have leaks that waste 50 gallons or more per day (EPA WaterSense). Nationwide, household leaks can waste nearly 1 trillion gallons a year.

Slow, hidden leaks under sinks or behind appliances often go unnoticed for weeks and can damage floors and cause mold. A sensor that alerts you right away lets you shut off the water fast, which protects your home and saves water. That matters even more in drought-prone states like California.

What you need

• A Wi-Fi water leak sensor with free app alerts and no required subscription
• The batteries it uses (often included)
• A smartphone with the maker’s free app
• Your home Wi-Fi name and password (many sensors use the 2.4 GHz band)
• A damp paper towel for testing

How to install a smart leak detector

1. Pick a no-fee model. Read the product page to confirm alerts are free. Check whether it offers push notifications only, or also text (SMS) or email alerts, and whether it needs a separate hub.
2. Add the batteries. Open the back cover, insert the batteries and listen for a beep or watch for a light that shows it powered on.
3. Download the free app and create an account.
4. Pair the sensor. In the app, tap to add a new device, choose the water leak sensor and follow the steps to connect it to your Wi-Fi.
5. Turn on alerts. In the device settings, allow app notifications so alerts show up even when your phone is locked. If the app offers SMS or email alerts, add your phone number or email for a backup. Some sensors can send texts through free smart home services or routines.
6. Test it. Touch the metal probes on the bottom with a damp paper towel. Your phone should buzz within seconds, and the sensor should sound an alarm.
7. Place it where leaks start. Set the sensor flat on the floor, probes down, near the water heater, under the kitchen sink, behind the washing machine, near the dishwasher or by the toilet.

Tips

• Know where your shutoff valve is. An alert only helps if you can turn off the water quickly. Find your main shutoff and the valves under sinks and toilets.
• Check batteries. Most apps warn you when batteries are low. Test the sensor every few months.
• Use more than one sensor. One sensor covers only the spot where it sits.
• Keep it reachable. Don’t wedge it so deep behind an appliance that you can’t change the batteries.

Frequently asked questions

Do smart water leak detectors need a subscription?

Many do not. Lots of Wi-Fi sensors send free push alerts through the maker’s app. Check the product details before buying, since some brands charge for extra features like professional monitoring.

Can a leak detector send a text message?

Some can send SMS or email alerts directly, and others only send app notifications. App push alerts work much like a text, and some sensors can trigger texts through free smart home routines.

Where is the best place to put a water leak sensor?

Put it on the floor where leaks are most likely: next to the water heater, under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, behind the washing machine and near the dishwasher or toilet.

How long do leak sensor batteries last?

It depends on the model, but many last a year or more. The app usually warns you when the battery is getting low.

See your water impact

Want to see how leaks, showers and outdoor watering add up in your home? Try our free Household Water Simulator to estimate your water use and find the fixes that save the most.

Related guides

• How to Install a Faucet Aerator to Cut Water Use
• How to Convert an Old Toilet to Dual-Flush
• How to Set a Sprinkler Timer Once and Never Touch It Again

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Fix a Leak Week
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Statistics and Facts

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Install a Smart Leak Detector That Texts You for Free appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: To replace bottled water with a filter pitcher, pick a sturdy pitcher whose filter is certified to NSF/ANSI standards for the contaminants you care about, prep and install the filter, fill it with cold tap water, keep it in the fridge and replace the cartridge on the schedule the maker lists.

Why switching from bottled water matters

Most single-use water bottles are not recycled. The U.S. EPA reports that the recycling rate for PET bottles and jars was 29.1% in 2018, so most were not recycled (EPA). A reusable pitcher and glass or bottle you wash and refill skip that waste entirely.

Public tap water in the U.S. is regulated, and in most places it is safe to drink. A filter pitcher mainly improves taste and odor and can reduce certain contaminants, depending on how it is certified. The EPA recommends choosing pitcher filters that are tested and certified by an accredited third party. For lead, look for certification to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with a lead reduction claim, and also NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction (EPA).

What you need

• A filter pitcher that holds about 8–10 cups or more, so you aren’t refilling it all day.
• A filter cartridge certified for what you want to reduce. Check the box or the certifier’s online directory.
• Space on a fridge shelf, or a shady spot on the counter.
• Reusable glasses or water bottles for each family member.
• Your local water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report), usually on your water utility’s website.

How to replace bottled water with a filter pitcher

1. Check your tap water. Read your utility’s annual water quality report to see what is in your water. This tells you what a filter needs to handle.
2. Choose a certified filter. Look for the certification mark and the standard numbers on the package, such as NSF/ANSI 42 for taste and odor or NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Make sure the claim matches your concern.
3. Wash the pitcher. Hand wash the pitcher, lid and reservoir with mild soap and rinse well before first use.
4. Prep the filter. Follow the package directions. Many filters need a quick rinse or soak to remove loose carbon dust.
5. Install and fill. Seat the filter firmly in the reservoir, then fill with cold tap water. Some makers suggest pouring out the first pitcher or two.
6. Store it cold. Keep the pitcher in the fridge for cold water, and refill it whenever it gets low so you always have some ready.
7. Track filter changes. Set a reminder or use the pitcher’s indicator. Replace the cartridge at the gallon or time limit printed on the package, or sooner if water flows slowly.

Tips for making the switch stick

• Keep refillable bottles by the door so everyone grabs one on the way to school or work.
• Use only cold water. Hot water can damage filters and can carry more lead from old pipes.
• Don’t stretch the filter. An old cartridge stops working as well and can trap buildup.
• Recycle used cartridges through a maker’s take-back program if one is offered, or check local rules.

Frequently asked questions

Is filtered tap water as safe as bottled water?

Public tap water in the U.S. must meet federal drinking water standards, and your utility’s yearly water quality report shows how your water measures up. A certified filter can improve taste and reduce specific contaminants listed on its package.

Do pitcher filters remove lead?

Only some do. The EPA advises looking for filters certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 with a lead reduction claim, ideally also certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for particulate reduction.

How often should I change a pitcher filter?

Follow the gallon or month limit on the package. Change it sooner if water flow slows down or the taste comes back, and use the pitcher’s indicator if it has one.

Does a filter pitcher save money compared to bottled water?

For most families, yes. Tap water costs very little, and one filter can treat many gallons, while bottled water costs far more per gallon, especially in small single-serve bottles.

See your household’s water impact

Curious how your family’s water habits add up? Try our free Household Water Simulator to estimate your daily water use and see how small swaps can make a difference.

Related guides

• How to Install a Faucet Aerator to Cut Water Use
• How to Use a Shower Timer to Build a Shorter-Shower Habit
• How to Pack a Reusable Straw and Utensil Kit for Your Bag

Sources

• U.S. EPA, Containers and Packaging: Product-Specific Data
• U.S. EPA, Consumer Tool for Identifying Point-of-Use and Pitcher Filters Certified to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Replace Bottled Water with a Durable Filter Pitcher appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Put a bucket under the shower head before you turn on the water, collect the cold water until it runs warm, then move the bucket out and use that water on your plants the same day. Never collect soapy water.

Why it matters

Showers use a lot of water. EPA WaterSense reports that showering makes up nearly 17% of indoor water use in homes, about 40 gallons per day for the average household. A standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute, so every minute you wait for hot water can send a couple of gallons of clean water down the drain.

Outdoor watering is even bigger. WaterSense says the average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than for showering and washing clothes combined. Using warm-up water on plants cuts the amount of fresh tap water you need for both. In dry places like California, every gallon saved helps during drought.

What you need

• A bucket that fits in your shower or tub (a 2 to 5 gallon size is easy to carry)
• A watering can (optional)
• A non-slip mat or towel for the floor

How to collect shower water for your plants

1. Place the bucket first. Set the bucket under the shower head before you turn on the water.
2. Turn on the shower. Let the cold water flow into the bucket while it warms up.
3. Feel for warm water. Once the water runs warm, turn the flow aside or step out of the way and move the bucket out of the shower. Don’t let any soap or shampoo get in.
4. Carry it safely. A full bucket is heavy. Fill it only partway if needed, lift with your legs, and pour some into a watering can to carry it.
5. Water your plants. Use it on houseplants, potted plants, vegetable beds or trees. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves.
6. Use it within a day. Don’t let water sit in an open bucket for days. Standing water can attract mosquitoes.
7. Make it a habit. Keep the bucket in the bathroom so it’s always ready. Each person in your household can do the same.

Tips

• Mark the bucket at the one- and two-gallon lines to see how much you save each day.
• Use extra water for other jobs, like flushing the toilet (pour it into the bowl), mopping or rinsing outdoor tools.
• Combine it with a shorter shower. Saving warm-up water and cutting a few minutes from your shower makes an even bigger difference.
• Fix slow warm-up. If it always takes a long time for hot water to arrive, a plumber can check your water heater or pipes.

Frequently asked questions

Is shower water safe for plants?

The cold warm-up water is the same clean tap water that comes from your kitchen sink, so it is fine for plants. Water with soap, shampoo or conditioner in it is different. It counts as greywater and has its own rules.

How much water can I save by catching shower water?

It depends on how long your shower takes to warm up and your shower head’s flow rate. With a standard 2.5 gallon per minute showerhead, even 30 seconds to a minute of waiting can add up to more than a gallon per shower.

Can I reuse soapy shower water in the garden?

Soapy water from showers and sinks is called greywater. Some states, including California, allow simple greywater systems if you follow certain rules. Check local rules before using it, and don’t use it on vegetables you eat raw.

What else can I use the collected water for?

Besides plants, you can pour it into the toilet bowl to flush, use it for mopping, or fill a pet’s outdoor water dish if it is fresh.

See your water impact

Want to see how much water your family uses and where it goes? Try our free Household Water Simulator to compare showers, laundry, outdoor watering and more.

Related guides

• How to Use a Shower Timer to Build a Shorter-Shower Habit
• How to Reuse Greywater for Toilet Flushing
• How to Set Up a Rain Barrel for Free Garden Watering

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Showerheads
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoor Water Use

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Collect Cold Shower Water for Your Plants appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: To use a shower timer, time your normal shower first, set the timer to that length, then cut about 30 seconds every few days until you reach your goal, such as 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, rinse and turn off the water.

Why take shorter showers?

Showers use a lot of water. EPA WaterSense says showering makes up nearly 17 percent of residential indoor water use, and a standard showerhead uses 2.5 gallons per minute (EPA WaterSense). That means every minute you cut from a shower saves about 2.5 gallons with a standard showerhead.

Most of that water is heated, so shorter showers also cut the energy your water heater uses. In California, where droughts come back again and again, saving water at home helps your community stretch its supply.

What you need

• A shower timer: a waterproof suction-cup timer, a sand timer, or your phone timer set outside the shower
• A pen and paper or phone note to track your times
• A WaterSense labeled showerhead (optional, for extra savings)

How to use a shower timer to build a shorter-shower habit

1. Time your normal shower for a few days without changing anything. Write down the average.
2. Set your timer to that same length, so the first week feels easy.
3. Every few days, take about 30 seconds off the timer.
4. Pick a goal, such as 5 minutes, and keep cutting time until you get there.
5. Use a simple routine: wet, soap and wash, then rinse. Save long thinking time for after you turn off the water.
6. When the timer goes off, finish rinsing and turn off the water. Treat the alarm as the end of your shower.
7. Track your times on a chart or note for a few weeks. Seeing progress helps the habit stick.

Tips

• Turn off the water while you lather or shampoo, then turn it back on to rinse.
• Make it a family challenge, with each person setting their own goal. Younger kids often enjoy racing a sand timer.
• Keep shampoo, soap and a towel within easy reach, so you are not standing under running water looking for them.
• Pair your timer with a WaterSense showerhead, which uses no more than 2.0 gallons per minute.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a shower be to save water?

There is no single rule, but a goal of about 5 minutes works well for many people. Any minute you cut helps, because a standard showerhead uses about 2.5 gallons each minute.

What is the best kind of shower timer?

The best one is the one you will use. A waterproof digital timer that sticks to the wall is easy to see, a sand timer needs no batteries, and a phone timer outside the shower works too.

How much water does a shorter shower save?

With a standard 2.5-gallon-per-minute showerhead, cutting 3 minutes saves about 7.5 gallons per shower. Over a year of daily showers, that adds up to thousands of gallons for one person.

Do shorter showers save energy too?

Yes. Less hot water means your water heater runs less, which saves electricity or gas and lowers your bill.

See your water impact

Want to see how showers, toilets, laundry and landscaping add up? Try our free Household Water Simulator to see your household’s water use and which changes save the most.

Related guides

• How to Install a Faucet Aerator to Cut Water Use
• How to Convert an Old Toilet to Dual-Flush
• How to Collect Cold Shower Water for Your Plants

Sources

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, WaterSense: Showerheads

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Use a Shower Timer to Build a Shorter-Shower Habit appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Set your sprinkler timer to start early in the morning on your allowed watering days, give each zone its own run time, and split long runs into short cycles; a WaterSense labeled controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water a year.

Why it matters

The U.S. EPA WaterSense program says residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for nearly 8 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of that water is wasted due to overwatering. A timer set with care is one of the easiest ways to stop that waste. To see how much of your household’s water goes to your yard, try the Household Water Simulator.

What you need

• Your controller’s manual, or its model number so you can find the manual online
• A new backup battery for the controller
• 4–6 empty tuna cans or other flat, straight-sided cans
• A ruler and a notepad
• Your city’s or water agency’s watering rules

How to set a sprinkler timer

1. Set the correct date and time, and replace the backup battery so a power outage does not erase your program.
2. Map your zones. Run each one for a minute, write down what it waters (lawn, shrubs, drip), and fix any broken or tilted heads.
3. Choose your watering days. Use only the days your water agency allows, and space them out so roots grow deeper.
4. Set an early-morning start time, before sunrise, when it is cooler and less water is lost to evaporation.
5. Do a can test. Place cans around a spray zone and time how long it takes to collect half an inch of water, as EPA WaterSense suggests. Use that time as your starting run time.
6. Give each zone its own run time. Drip zones usually need longer runs than spray zones, and shady areas need less than sunny ones.
7. Use cycle and soak. If water runs onto the sidewalk, split each run into shorter cycles with breaks in between.
8. Turn on seasonal adjust, or add a rain sensor or a WaterSense labeled smart controller, so the schedule changes with the weather.

California watering rules to know

Many California cities limit which days and hours you can water. In the City of Los Angeles, LADWP is in Phase 2 of its water conservation ordinance. Odd-numbered addresses may water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Outdoor watering is not allowed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sprinklers with standard nozzles are limited to one cycle of up to 8 minutes per station per watering day, while conserving nozzles may run two 15-minute cycles. Runoff onto streets, driveways or gutters is not allowed.

Santa Monica and other nearby cities set their own watering days and hours, and the rules can change during a drought. Look up the current rules on your city or water agency website before you program your timer.

Cycle and soak and early-morning starts

Cycle and soak means watering in short bursts with breaks so the water sinks in instead of running off. EPA WaterSense says landscapes with clay soils or slopes can benefit from dividing runtimes into intervals with short breaks in between. The Southern Nevada Water Authority suggests timing how many minutes your sprinklers can run before runoff starts, then letting the water fully soak in before the next cycle.

Timing matters too. EPA WaterSense advises against watering in the middle of the day, when the hot sun evaporates much of the water. The Southern Nevada Water Authority recommends watering between midnight and sunrise in warm months. A start time around 4 or 5 a.m. usually fits both that advice and local rules like LADWP’s 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ban.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Watering a little every day. Fewer, deeper waterings build stronger roots.
• Using the same run time for every zone, even though drip, spray, sun and shade all need different amounts.
• Forgetting to turn watering down in fall and winter, when plants need much less.
• Skipping leak checks. EPA WaterSense recommends inspecting your system monthly for leaks and broken or clogged heads.

Frequently asked questions

What time should I set my sprinkler timer?

Set it to start early in the morning, before sunrise. EPA WaterSense advises against watering in the middle of the day because the sun evaporates much of the water. In Los Angeles, watering is not allowed between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

How long should I run my sprinklers per zone?

Start with a can test and time how long a spray zone takes to fill a can with half an inch of water. EPA WaterSense suggests trying that runtime twice a week and adjusting based on how your plants respond. Always follow your city’s minute limits.

How many days a week can I water in Los Angeles?

Under LADWP’s current Phase 2 rules, you can water three days a week. Odd-numbered addresses water on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and even-numbered addresses water on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Other cities, including Santa Monica, set their own schedules.

What is cycle and soak on a sprinkler timer?

Cycle and soak splits one long run into several short runs with breaks in between. This gives water time to sink into the soil instead of running onto the sidewalk. Many timers let you set multiple start times to do this.

Do I need to change my sprinkler timer in winter?

Yes, or let seasonal adjust do it for you. EPA WaterSense says irrigation schedules should be adjusted based on seasonal changes. Turning the seasonal adjust percentage down in cool months, or adding a smart controller, keeps you from watering plants that do not need it.

See your impact

Want to know how much water your yard really uses? Enter your sprinkler schedule in the Household Water Simulator and see how changes like cycle and soak or fewer watering days could lower your household’s water use.

Related guides

• How Much Water Does a California Household Use?
• How to Switch from Sprinklers to Soaker Hoses for Your Garden
• How to Set Up a Rain Barrel for Free Garden Watering

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, WaterSense Labeled Controllers
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Watering Tips
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoors
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Water Conservation and Ordinance
• Southern Nevada Water Authority, Sprinkler watering tips

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated November 2, 2026.

The post How to Set a Sprinkler Timer Once and Never Touch It Again appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Lay soaker hoses along your plant rows a few inches from the stems, connect them to the faucet through a backflow preventer, pressure regulator and timer, run them at low pressure until the soil is moist several inches down, and cover the hoses with mulch.

Why switch from sprinklers?

Sprinklers lose a lot of water before it reaches the roots. The U.S. EPA WaterSense program says as much as 50% of the water we use outdoors is lost to wind, evaporation and runoff caused by inefficient irrigation (EPA WaterSense). Outdoor water use is more than 30% of total household water use on average, and can reach 60% in dry regions.

Southern California is one of those dry regions, so garden watering is often the biggest place to save. Soaker hoses put water right at the soil, where roots can use it. Keeping leaves dry also helps prevent some fungal diseases on plants like tomatoes and squash.

What you need

• Soaker hoses long enough to run along your beds (avoid linking too many end to end)
• A regular garden hose to connect the faucet to the bed
• A backflow preventer for the faucet (often required by local plumbing codes)
• A pressure regulator made for soaker or drip systems
• A hose-end timer
• Landscape staples or U-shaped pins
• Mulch, such as wood chips or straw

How to switch to soaker hoses

1. Plan the layout. Sketch your beds. Run hoses along each row of plants, a few inches from the stems. For wide beds, snake the hose back and forth about 12–18 inches apart so water reaches all the roots.
2. Connect at the faucet. Attach the backflow preventer, then the pressure regulator, then the timer. Use a regular garden hose to carry water from the faucet to the start of the soaker hose.
3. Lay and pin the hoses. Uncoil soaker hoses in the sun first so they relax. Lay them in place and pin them down every few feet. Put an end cap on the far end.
4. Test the flow. Turn the water on slowly. The hose should seep and drip along its length, not spray. If it squirts, lower the pressure.
5. Find your run time. Run the hose for about 30 minutes, then dig a small hole a few inches away. Water until the soil is moist about 6 inches down. Adjust the time up or down for your soil.
6. Cover with mulch. Spread 2–3 inches of mulch over the hoses. It hides them, keeps them out of the sun and slows evaporation from the soil.
7. Set the timer. Water early in the morning, a few times a week, instead of a little every day. Deep, less frequent watering grows deeper roots.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Running at full pressure. High pressure can burst a soaker hose or make it spray. Always use a regulator.
• Making runs too long. Very long hoses water unevenly, with the far end getting much less. Split big gardens into separate zones.
• Using soaker hoses on lawns. They work best in beds and rows. For lawns, an efficient sprinkler with a smart controller or a switch to native plants is a better fit.
• Forgetting to check. Look over hoses every few weeks for leaks or dry spots, and adjust run times as weather changes.

Frequently asked questions

How long should I run a soaker hose?

Many gardens need about 30 to 60 minutes per watering, but it depends on your soil, the hose and the water pressure. Check soil moisture a few inches down after the first few runs and adjust.

Are soaker hoses better than drip irrigation?

Soaker hoses are cheaper and easier to set up, which makes them great for rows and beds. Drip irrigation delivers water more evenly over long distances and to individual plants, so it is often better for bigger or more complex gardens.

Should soaker hoses be buried?

Don’t bury them deep in soil, but do cover them with a layer of mulch. Mulch protects the hose from sunlight and keeps moisture in the ground.

Do soaker hoses save water?

Yes. Because they release water slowly at the soil surface, much less water is lost to wind, spray and runoff than with sprinklers. EPA WaterSense notes that inefficient irrigation can waste as much as half of outdoor water.

See your water impact

Want to know how much water your garden, showers and appliances use? Try our free Household Water Simulator to see your family’s water footprint and which changes save the most.

Related guides

• How to Set a Sprinkler Timer Once and Never Touch It Again
• How to Set Up a Rain Barrel for Free Garden Watering
• How to Landscape with Native Plants to Cut Water Use

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Statistics and Facts
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoors

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Switch from Sprinklers to Soaker Hoses for Your Garden appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Choose plants native to your region, group them by how much water they need, cover the soil with 3 to 4 inches of mulch, and water deeply but less often while they get established. After the first year or two, many native plants need little extra water.

Why native plants save water

Outdoor watering is one of the biggest ways families use water. EPA WaterSense reports that residential outdoor water use in the U.S. adds up to nearly 8 billion gallons a day, mostly for landscape irrigation. The average household uses more water outdoors than for showering and washing clothes combined.

Native plants can change that. WaterSense explains that once established, native plants require little water beyond normal rainfall, and because they are adapted to local soils, they rarely need fertilizer. In Southern California, where summers are long and dry, many native plants are naturally drought tolerant.

What you need

• A list of native plants for your area (from a native plant society, your local water agency or a university extension office)
• Native plants in small pots, which often establish faster than big ones
• Mulch such as wood chips or shredded bark
• A shovel, gloves and a hose or drip irrigation
• A simple sketch of your yard showing sun and shade

How to landscape with native plants

1. Find your local natives. Look up plants that grow naturally in your region. WaterSense links to state plant lists, and California gardeners can use the California Native Plant Society’s Calscape tool. Local nurseries that specialize in natives can help too.
2. Map your yard. Note which spots get full sun, part shade and full shade, and where water collects or drains fast.
3. Group plants by water needs. Plant thirsty plants together and dry-loving plants together. WaterSense calls these groups “hydrozones.” They help you avoid overwatering some plants while underwatering others.
4. Shrink the lawn. Keep grass only where you use it, like a play area. Replace the rest with native shrubs, flowers and groundcovers.
5. Plant in the cool season. In mild-winter places like California, fall is often the best time, since winter rain helps roots grow.
6. Add mulch. Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch over the soil, keeping it a few inches away from plant stems. Mulch holds in moisture and blocks weeds.
7. Water deeply, then less often. Water new plants regularly while they establish. Over time, water less often but more deeply so roots grow down. Many established natives need little or no summer water.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Overwatering. Too much water can kill drought-tolerant natives. Check that the soil is dry a few inches down before watering.
• Buying by looks alone. A pretty plant at a big store may need much more water than your climate provides. Check the label or ask.
• Skipping the first-year care. Even tough natives need regular water while their roots grow.
• Using lots of fertilizer. Native plants are used to local soil and usually don’t need it.

Frequently asked questions

Do native plants really need less water?

Once established, many do. EPA WaterSense says native plants need little water beyond normal rainfall because they are adapted to the local climate. They still need regular water during their first year or two.

What is hydrozoning?

Hydrozoning means grouping plants with similar water needs in the same area. That way, each zone can be watered just the right amount, which saves water and keeps plants healthy.

When is the best time to plant native plants?

In many mild climates, including much of California, fall is the best time. Cooler weather and winter rains help roots grow before summer heat arrives.

How do I find native plants for my area?

Check your state’s native plant society, a university extension office, your local water agency or a nursery that specializes in natives. WaterSense also links to plant lists for each state.

See your water impact

Want to see how much water your yard uses compared to the rest of your home? Try our free Household Water Simulator to see how switching to native plants could change your family’s water use.

Related guides

• Embrace Native Plants and Save Water: A Guide to Drought-Resilient Landscaping
• How to Switch from Sprinklers to Soaker Hoses for Your Garden
• How to Set a Sprinkler Timer Once and Never Touch It Again

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Outdoor Water Use
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Water-Smart Landscaping Tips
• U.S. EPA WaterSense, What to Plant

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Landscape with Native Plants to Cut Water Use appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.

Quick answer: Catch shower or bath water in a bucket, then pour about a gallon or more quickly into the toilet bowl (not the tank) to flush it. Use the water the same day, and skip kitchen sink water. Plumbed systems that send greywater to the tank need treatment and usually a permit, so check with your local building department first.

Why flushing with greywater saves so much

EPA WaterSense says toilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water use. Older toilets can use as much as 6 gallons per flush (EPA WaterSense). Every flush you do with reused water is clean drinking water you don’t have to buy.

Under California law, greywater includes water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, clothes washers and laundry tubs, but not from kitchen sinks or dishwashers, which carry food and grease (California Water Code 14876). Toilet water is never greywater.

What you need

• A sturdy bucket, about 2 to 3 gallons, with a handle
• A second bucket or large container for the shower, if you want to catch more water
• Mild, plant-based soaps if you also plan to use greywater outdoors
• Gloves, if you prefer, and a towel for spills

How to flush your toilet with greywater (bucket method)

1. Place a bucket in the shower or tub while you wash, or scoop water out of the tub after a bath. Bathroom sink water also works.
2. Leave out water from the kitchen sink, dishwasher, or anything used to rinse diapers or raw meat.
3. Carry the bucket to the toilet carefully. Keep a towel nearby for drips.
4. Lift the seat and pour the water quickly and steadily into the bowl, aiming toward the drain hole. A fast pour of about a gallon or more usually triggers a full flush.
5. Pour into the bowl, not the tank. Soap, hair and lint in greywater can clog or damage parts inside the tank.
6. Use the water the same day. Stored greywater quickly grows bacteria and starts to smell.
7. Rinse and dry the bucket, and store it upside down so it doesn’t collect stagnant water.

What about plumbed greywater systems?

Some systems pipe greywater from a shower or sink through a filter and pump into the toilet tank. These are more complex. Greywater must be treated and disinfected before it sits in a tank, and systems with tanks or pumps generally need a permit. In California, rules are strict: the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power says the use of onsite treated graywater for indoor uses such as toilet flushing is currently prohibited in its area because the state has not adopted treatment standards for it (LADWP). Rules vary by city, so ask your local building department before buying equipment.

If you want a permanent greywater project, a laundry-to-landscape system that waters plants outdoors is often simpler. LADWP notes that a clothes washer system serving a one- or two-family home needs no permit if it meets California Plumbing Code requirements.

Tips

• Pair greywater flushing with “if it’s yellow, let it mellow” during droughts to save even more.
• Catch the cold water that runs while your shower warms up. That water is clean, so it can also water plants.
• If you have an older toilet, a WaterSense labeled model or dual-flush conversion cuts water use on every flush.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use shower water to flush the toilet?

Yes. Pouring shower or bath water quickly into the toilet bowl flushes it the same way the tank does. Use it the same day and pour into the bowl, not the tank.

Is it legal to reuse greywater for toilets in California?

Pouring a bucket of water into your own toilet is fine. Plumbed systems are different: they need treatment, and many areas require permits or do not yet allow treated greywater indoors, so check with your city first.

How much water can I save by flushing with greywater?

It depends on how often you do it and how much water your toilet uses per flush. Since toilets are nearly 30 percent of indoor water use, even replacing a few flushes a day adds up over a year.

Why shouldn’t I pour greywater into the toilet tank?

Hair, soap scum and lint can settle in the tank, clog the fill valve or wear out the flapper. Pouring into the bowl avoids those problems.

See your water savings

How much water does your toilet use each year? Try our free Household Water Simulator to compare toilets, showers, laundry and outdoor watering and see which changes save your household the most.

Related guides

• How to Collect Cold Shower Water for Your Plants
• How to Convert an Old Toilet to Dual-Flush
• How to Use a Shower Timer to Build a Shorter-Shower Habit

Sources

• U.S. EPA WaterSense, Residential Toilets
• California Water Code, Section 14876 (graywater definition)
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, Types of Graywater Systems

Written and reviewed by the Accessible Sustainability Alliance editorial team. Last updated October 5, 2026.

The post How to Reuse Greywater for Toilet Flushing appeared first on Accessible Sustainability Alliance.