Tip of the day: Save water, save money

The federal Energy Star program has revamped its standards for dishwashers. Machines made after mid-August 2009 must be at least 48 percent more efficient than federal energy-use standards require to qualify. What's more, for the first time, Energy Star qualification also hinges on how much water a dishwasher can use. Qualifying standard-size machines will be able to consume a maximum of 5.8 gallons per cycle, down from 7 gallons a cycle for current models.

But you don't have to shell out for a new dishwasher to save water at home. Considering that the government stated in 2002 that at least 36 states anticipated water shortages between 2003 and 2013, now's a good time to cut down on the average 100 gallons of water you use each day at home. Kicking some of your water-wasting habits is easy and will save you money.

Bad habit: Running the water while shaving and brushing your teeth
New routine: When shaving, filling the sink with water and rinse your razor as you shave, and when brushing your teeth or shaving, turning on the faucet only when needed.
Savings: 4 to 10 gallons a day

Bad habit: Indulging in long showers
New routine: Taking quick showers
Savings: 5 to 10 gallons per shower

Bad habit: Running a water-hog showerhead
New routine: Using a low-flow showerhead
Savings: 2.5 gallons or more per minute

Bad habit: Rinsing dishes before loading them into the dishwasher
New routine: Scraping food off dishes or wiping them with a damp sponge and let your dishwasher do the rest
Savings: Nearly 20 gallons per load

Bad habit: Using—and not fixing—a leaky toilet
New routine: Keeping your commode leak free
Savings: 30 to 50 gallons daily

To test for a toilet leak, add enough food coloring to the toilet tank to turn the water dark; wait 30 minutes. If dye appears in the toilet bowl, the flapper valve is leaking, and you should replace it ASAP. To be sure you buy the right replacement and save yourself another trip to the hardware or plumbing-supply store or home center, bring the old flapper valve with you.

If you need to replace your toilet, consider one that carries the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense label; toilets that qualify for the program use 20 percent less water.—Kimberly Janeway

Essential reading: Learn 50 ways to save water and calculate how much water your showerheads use. And watch the video on how we test dishwashers (above).