Toni, dishwashers use much less water than handwashing. I know it doesn't feel like it, but dishwashers use 1/6 the water of handwashing. Here's an article:
http://www.treehugger.com/kitc...
A friend of mine changed all of her toilets to have #1 and #2 buttons instead of regular handles for flushing. The #1 buttons use just a little bit of water and the #2 buttons flush completely.
Also, are you sure you don't have a leak somewhere?
