Water Efficiency – Johnson Clean Energy District

The average American household uses 40 gallons of hot water per day. Water heating can be responsible for up to 20% of a Johnson County home's total energy cost. Aside from saving an important natural resources, using less water at the sink and in the shower means you will use less hot water each time -- saving you energy on water heating. Choosing low-flow fixtures and installing aerators in existing fixtures will help you save drastically on heating hot water.

Showerheads

The average showerhead in an American household uses 2.1 GPM. Changing a standard showerhead to a more efficient 1.5 or 1.35 GPM showerhead will save a significant amount of water depending on the number of people in the household and the average number of showers taken.

When choosing a new showerhead, look for the WaterSense label to ensure quality, functionality and reliability.

Faucet Aerators

Faucet aerators are small pieces placed on the end of a sink used to break up the flow of the faucet, adding air within the stream and reducing the GPM of the faucet. Aerators are inexpensive, easy to install, and can be applied to fixtures throughout your home to quickly begin saving on water and energy bills.

Fixtures

When remodeling your kitchen or bathroom, consider purchasing new water efficient faucets and toilets with the WaterSense label to further reduce your home water use.

Bathroom Faucets
Water efficient bathroom faucets can save an average home up to 700 gallons of water per year, nearly 30% less than average.

Kitchen Sinks
Stylish and affordable kitchen sinks don't have to be water-wasters. Low-GPM kitchen faucets are available from numerous brands like Moen, Kholer and Delta, and many models averaging between $115 and $250.

Residential Toilets
Average residential toilets can use up to 6 gallons of water in a single flush, making it one of the largest water-wasters in the household. Replacing older toilets with newer low-flow or WaterSense labeled toilets can reduce the water use in the bathroom by 20-60%.