Many washing machines use 40 or more gallons of water a load, whether the washer’s stuffed full or loaded with only a couple of socks. Save up for a full load and make your water work efficiently. Or remember to set your machine for a lesser load, if it can be adjusted. As with the dishwasher, you save energy and electricity, as well as water.

For hand laundering, put a stopper in the washtub for both wash and rinse. Don’t let the faucet run.

                                                                                     — American Water Works Association