Water Conservation Starts in Your Kitchen Sink

Max Winters
·4 min read

In a world where every drop counts, adopting water-saving habits may not just a choice but a necessity. One area where small changes can make a big difference is in the kitchen, particularly when it comes to washing dishes. Whether you're washing dishes by hand or using a dishwasher, there are several ways to make your kitchen practices more eco-friendly while still achieving clean dishes.

Save Water With These 7 Steps

1. Scrape, Don't Rinse

  • Instead of pre-rinsing dishes under running water, scrape off excess food scraps into the compost or trash. This simple step can save gallons of water per wash.

2. Use a Basin

  • Fill up a basin or sink with soapy water for washing dishes instead of keeping the tap running or filling the entire sink with water. This method ensures that you're using only the necessary amount of water, reducing waste. This dirty water can be recycled as grey water for garden plants too!

3. Wash Efficiently

  • Take note of your washing technique. Wash dishes in batches, starting with the least dirty items and progressing to the dirtiest. This way, you can reuse the same soapy water for multiple dishes before needing more fresh water.

4. Be Water Efficient

  • Consider how you use water per load. Some dishes are good to go with a rinse of cold water while others need warm water to cut through dirt. Don't wait for the water to come up to the right temperature, sort a batch of dishes so that the cool and warm tap water is put to use as it heats up to that hot water that is needed for the greasy dirty dishes.

5. Rinse Wisely

  • If you must rinse dishes before loading them into the dishwasher, use a quick spray, low water flow, or get a rinse basin to save water instead of letting the tap run continuously. Also, remember that a bit of water and dish soap goes a long way, and using them conservatively will greatly extend your water supply.

6. Consider Upgrades

  • Invest in water-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers with Energy Star ratings and low-flow faucets. Morgan Eberhard, Cascade Senior Scientist shared that "The dishwasher only uses 4 gallons of water per cycle, compared to 4 gallons of water for every two minutes you hand wash your dishes—and most people spend more than 2 minutes at the sink. That’s 80% less water compared to hand-washing dishes!"

7. Optimize Dishwasher Use

  • If you have a dishwasher, know how to get the most out of it. Run full loads whenever possible. They're designed to use less water than handwashing, but they are most efficient when fully loaded. "People don’t realize they waste a year and a half of their life hand-washing dishes," added Eberhard. "That’s 200 hours a year that can be spent doing what matters most to you—like spending time with family and friends."

Related: Leaf Home Predicts 2024 Trend in Home Water Filtration Systems

Can hand-washing dishes be more efficient than using the dishwasher?

It depends. Handwashing is more efficient for small loads or when employing water-saving techniques like using a basin and minimizing pre-rinsing. But high-efficiency dishwashers are designed to optimize water usage and when used in tandem with the right detergent, they are hard to beat. "Many people don’t trust their dishwashers to get the job done and don’t realize the detergent you use matters," points out Eberhard. The right formula can very efficiently break down protein-rich foods, starches, and grease with less water than it would take to hand wash (depending on if you're cleaning one plate or after a whole family meal).

Related: How to Maintain Your Kitchen Sink Before Hosting Guests

Can you reuse old dishwater in the garden?

Reusing old dishwater in the garden can be a water conservation practice, as long as certain precautions are taken.

  • Only dole out dish water that contains eco-friendly cleaning products.

  • Recycling dishwater is best for non-edible plants, flowers, and shrubs.

  • It's best to avoid using dishwater containing heavy grease, oils, or harsh chemicals.

  • Additionally, consider diluting the dishwater with clean water to reduce the concentration of soap and other substances before using it on your garden plants.

  • It's important to note that dishwater should not be used for watering houseplants because leftover food debris from your dishwater will start to stink if you give it to your houseplants. Best to put it outside to break down or be consumed by insects and critters. This practice can help conserve water and minimize waste while benefiting your outdoor greenery.