Tufts uses low-flow faucets, shower heads and toilets all over campus but individual behaviors also greatly influence campus water use.

In the Bathroom

Don’t take marathon showers. Instead, turn the water off when you lather, shampoo, etc.

Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and shaving.

@Home: Install low-flow toilets, use a conversion kit to turn your toilet into a dual flush toiler, or place a plastic bottle filled with water or sand in the tank to displace some of the water your toilet uses per flush.  Be sure it doesn’t obstruct the toilet mechanism.

In the Kitchen

Store drinking water in the fridge rather than running the tap to make it cold.

If you’re washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running while scrubbing. This can save 8-15 gallons of water per day.

Use basins to wash vegetables and fruits. Compared with the faucet, this could save 2-4 gallons per day.

@Home: Avoid using running water to thaw meat and other frozen foods. Let it sit overnight in the refrigerator.

@Home: Only run your dishwasher when full.

In the Laundry Room

Clothing life cycle assessment studies show that even in a short 2 year life span, over 75% of the energy consumption for apparel comes from their laundering.

Front loading washing machines like the ones in Tufts dorms use 40-60% less water, 30-50% less energy, and
50-70% less detergent than top-loading machines.