Water Conservation

Whether it’s to reduce your water bill or because you realize water is a limited resource, conserving water can be beneficial to everyone. By making a few simple changes, you can reduce your water usage considerably. Here are some tips:

1.  Turn off water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
2.  Shower instead of bathing. Limit showers to 5-10 minutes.
3.  Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.
4.  Check faucets and pipes for leaks.
5.  Install water saving low-flow showerheads. 
6.  Test your toilet for leaks by adding of food coloring to the water in the tank. If the coloring appears in the   bowl within a few minutes, the fixture needs adjustment or repair.
7.  Listen to gurgling sounds coming from your toilet. These noises indicate the flush valve needs to be           adjusted to stop wasting water.
8.  Use a water stop/dam to reduce the amount of water used in a flush. 
9.  Install faucet aerators to cut water consumption.
10.  Water your lawn in the early morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation. 
11.  Don’t overwater your lawn or water during peak periods, and install rain sensors on irrigation systems.
12.  If small areas in your yard need more frequent watering (those near walks or driveways or in especially     hot, sunny spots), use a watering can or hand water with the hose only in those areas.
13.  Place a layer of mulch around trees and plants so more water can be retained by the roots.
14.  Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.
15.  Wash the car with soap, water, and a bucket, using a hose with a shut-off nozzle for a quick final rinse.       Do this on the grass so water serves to irrigate the lawn.
16.  Adjust sprinklers carefully so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
17.  Cover pools and spas to cut down on evaporation.
18.  Adjust your irrigation schedule to accommodate changes in seasonal water demand.
19.  Use a broom, never a hose, to clean paved areas.
20.  Use rain barrels to collect water for watering landscaping
21.  Invest in a High-Efficiency Washing Machine
22.  When hand-washing dishes, never run water continuously. Wash dishes in a partially filled sink and           then rinse them using the spray attachment on your tap.
23.  Use the shortest cycle possible for washing clothes, and use the “suds-saver” feature if your machine         has one.
24.  Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Drop tissues in the trash instead of the toilet.
25.  Position your sprinklers so that water lands on your lawn or garden, not in areas where it does no good.
26.  Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Instead, compost vegetable food waste and save gallons every time.
27.  Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats         up. This also reduces energy costs.
28.  Adjust the lawn mower to the height of 1.5 to 2 inches. Taller grass shades roots and holds soil moisture   better than short grass.
29.  Never pour clean water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor   plants or garden.
30.  Consider buying a dual-flush toilet. It has two flush options: a half-flush for liquid waste and a full-flush   for solid waste.