Filling a bathtub uses a fixed volume of water and hence equates to fixed volume of wastewater. Reducing the flow rate has no impact on the amount of wastewater generated from taking a bath. Consequently, there are few conservation measures directed at bathtub use.

Below are some tips to maximize efficiency in your bathtub:

• Only fill the bathtub as much as you need. Bathing babies and small children requires much less water and it is often easier to bathe small babies in a sink.

• Make sure that your bathtub drain plug doesn’t leak. Replace the plug or plug washer if necessary.

• Replace the tub diverter valve (that routes water to the shower) if it leaks.

• In a drought, don’t let the used bathtub water go down the drain! Reuse bath water outdoors on your landscape.

Photo source: Plumbing Supply, Accessed
September 24, 2003, by permission.

Wastewater reduction is especially important for homeowners with septic systems. Reducing wastewater relieves stress on septic systems and can extend the life of this expensive system.