You can reduce the water consumption in your Philly apartment by 20-40 percent without purchasing expensive equipment. Reducing water use can mean substantial savings on water, sewage and energy bills for your building, which can mean less of a need to increase rent and the ability to offer more amenities – as well as doing great for the environment.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “with the U.S. population doubling over the past 50 years, our thirst for water tripling, and at least 36 states facing water shortages [by 2013], the need to conserve water is becoming more and more critical.”

The following recommendations will help you get in the habit of saving water:

Kitchen

Avoid using the garbage disposal. It uses a lot of unnecessary water and can lead to problems with septic systems. Start a compost pile instead!

Run dishwashers only with a full load.

When washing dishes in the sink, use one side of the sink or a large bowl for rinsing, rather than running water.

Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator for cold drinks. If you have to run the tap while waiting for cold water, collect running water in a container for later use.

Bathroom

Conventional toilets use about five to seven gallons of water per flush. Water used for each flush can be reduced by placing two half-gallon plastic bottles filled with water in the tank.

Install a low-flow aerator on your showerhead and sink. These devises can be purchased at a hardware store and are easy to install. They reduce flow to approximately three gallons per minute instead of the usual five to 10 in a shower.

Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving.

Take shorter showers. When you learn about droughts or other water shortages, turn off water while lathering up.

Remember, when you use less water in your Philly apartment, you are also using less energy, leading to even greater savings for you, your fellow residents and the environment.