Together Blue Devils Save Water
Water is one of Duke's most valuable shared resources. Small actions taken every day, whether in your residence hall, apartment, or campus office, can make a meaningful difference when our community works together.
Explore simple ways you can help conserve water across campus.
One of the easiest ways to reduce water use is simply turning off the faucet when it is not needed.
Remember to turn off the water while you are:
- Brushing your teeth
- Washing your hands
- Shampooing your hair
- Conditioning your hair
- Shaving
These small habits only take a few seconds but can save gallons of water over time.
Bathrooms account for a significant portion of indoor water use. A few simple changes can help conserve water every day.
Take Shorter Showers
Reducing your shower by just five minutes can significantly reduce your daily water consumption.
Flush Responsibly
Place facial tissues and other non-biodegradable waste in the trash instead of the toilet. Flushing only toilet paper helps conserve water and prevents plumbing issues.
The kitchen offers several opportunities to reduce unnecessary water use.
Run Full Loads
Only run the dishwasher when it is full to maximize water efficiency.
Keep Drinking Water Cold
Store a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water becomes cold.
Thaw Food Safely
Avoid thawing frozen food under running water. Instead, follow safe thawing practices that conserve water.
Learn more at duke.is/ThawSafe.
Water conservation extends beyond the kitchen and bathroom. Small choices throughout the day help reduce water use across campus.
Wash Full Loads of Laundry
Wait until you have a full load before running the washing machine whenever possible.
Use Dual Flush Toilets Correctly
If your building has dual flush toilets:
- Push up for liquid waste.
- Push down for solid waste.
Using the correct flush helps reduce unnecessary water use.
Report Leaks
A dripping faucet or continuously running toilet can waste a significant amount of water over time.
If you notice a leak, report it so it can be repaired promptly.
Report maintenance concerns at duke.is/SAW.
Every Drop Counts
Water conservation is a shared responsibility. By making small changes to everyday habits, every member of the Duke community can help reduce water consumption and support a more sustainable campus.
Together, Blue Devils save water.