Water Conservation: Practical Tips to Save Water and Money
Published on August 20, 2025
By Katherine Squitieri, Southwest Florida Water Management District
Welcome to the world of water conservation, where every drop counts and your wallet benefits! At its core, water conservation means using water wisely and not being wasteful. Discover practical ways to save water and money, from daily habits to smart home upgrades. Whether you’re a seasoned water saver or new to conservation, let’s dive in!
Don’t Let Your Water Run Wild
Have you ever left the faucet running while scrubbing down the dishes, or got distracted for a little too long after turning on the shower before hopping in? Making a habit of turning water off when it’s not in use is one of the simplest ways to save. And when water is in use, make sure it’s being used efficiently. For example, only run the dishwasher or clothes washer when you have a full load.
Conducting regular leak detection checks can also make a big difference. Use the EPA’s at-home leak detection checklist as a guide to track down household leaks. Common indoor leaks include dripping faucets, showerheads, or water supply connections. Leaky toilets, often caused by a worn-out flapper, can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day! To check your toilet for leaks, add a dye tablet or a few drops of food coloring into the tank and wait 10-15 minutes. Check the water in the bowl. If you see color, it indicates you have a leak.
Upgrades that Lead to Savings
Achieve automatic water savings by upgrading to water-efficient fixtures and appliances. Look for the WaterSense® or ENERGY STAR® labels on showerheads, toilets, faucets, clothes washers, dishwashers and more to identify items that help save water by design! How much can you save? Switching to a high-efficiency showerhead can save around 2,700 gallons of water per year without sacrificing water pressure.
Outdoor Irrigation – Water Like a Pro
Outdoor water use accounts for about 50% of water consumed by households. In fact, it’s estimated that a single irrigation event can use as much water as an eight-hour shower! That means adjustments outdoors go a long way toward savings.
Check the City of Dunedin’s current water restrictions to confirm your designated watering day and time, and ensure the run time settings on your irrigation controller match up. If rain is in the forecast or we’re in the cooler months of winter, turn your irrigation controller off and only turn it back on when needed.
It’s also important to maintain your irrigation system. Turn your system on manually and look for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads that may be shooting water straight into the air or onto the sidewalk. Broken or misdirected sprinkler heads aren’t very helpful to your lawn. Find and fix irrigation system mishaps to ensure your lawn gets the water it needs without the waste.
Start Saving Today
Use this Water Use Calculator to help determine how much water your household is using and ways you can save. Find more water saving tips by visiting the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Water 101 website at WaterMatters.org/Water101