In the kitchen, significant water savings can be realized by:

• NOT running water
  Whether hand-washing dishes or cleaning vegetables and fruits, don't let the water run. Use a stoppered basin or bowl of hot water to rinse dishes or clean produce. The water can subsequently be used to rinse out recyclables. Washing dishes with the tap running can take 25 gallons of water; with the tap off and the sink ½ full, only 5 gallons are used.



• Heating up or cooling down wisely
  Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen faucet so you don't have to the let water run in order to heat up. Similarly, don't let water run to cool down; keep a container of water in the refrigerator for cool drinks.



• Thawing foods efficiently
  Thaw frozen foods in advance in the refrigerator or use the microwave rather than setting them under running water.



• Soaking, not stressing
  Soak pots and pans rather than scrubbing them under running water. You'll save time, water, and effort.



• Using low-flow faucets
  Reduced faucet flow rates lower domestic water consumption, water heating demands, and wastewater treatment loads. Low-flow faucets have rated flows between 1.5 and 2.5 gpm, as compared to 2.75 to 5.0 gpm for conventional faucets. See bathroom sinks for detailed information.