Water-wise tip: Use cup during brushing

According to water efficiency experts, personal hygiene – such as teeth brushing and shaving – accounts for about 12 percent of household water use. Just shutting off the tap while brushing teeth will save the average family of four more than 10 gallons a day.

Whittle that water use even more by using a cup. Each family member can have their own cup (or use paper cups in a dispenser). Fill the cup with just enough water to rinse your mouth instead of cupping your hands under the running tap.

Debbie Arrington

This story was originally published September 11, 2015 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Water-wise tip: Use cup during brushing."