Water Conservation
Four Easy Ways to Conserve Water
Clean water is a valuable natural resource that needs to be protected and conserved. The following list provides suggestions that will help you conserve water during your daily activities. Conserving water helps protect our water resources and could help you lower your monthly water bill.
1. Leaky Faucets and Toilets: Periodically check your indoor and outdoor faucets for leaks. Even a slow drip can waste 15 gallons of water a day. To check toilets, put a bit of food coloring in the toilet tank (don’t flush the toilet). Check back in 15 minutes to see if color shows up in the bowl of the toilet. Toilet leaks can be difficult to see. A leaking toilet can lose as much as 100 gallons per day.
2. Showers and Grooming: Save water by taking shorter showers. Five minutes is a good time limit. Turn the water off while lathering and washing your hair. Consider installing low-flow shower heads. Also, don't let the water run down the sink while you brush your teeth. Wet your toothbrush, turn the water off, then brush. Run the water again to rinse your toothbrush.
3. Automatic Dish and Clothes Washers: To conserve water try to run automatic dish and clothes washers only when you have a full load. If your washing machine has adjustable water levels be sure you use the correct level with smaller loads.
4. Irrigation: Improper irrigation can be a big waste of water. Be sure you water only when it is needed. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day. A good soaking early in the morning is best. Also, set your sprinklers to water the lawn, not the pavement.
Water and Sewer Guidelines
Do not put the following down your drains:
- Grease of any kind (store this in a sealable bag or container and throw away with your trash)
- Paper towels (these do not dissolve)
- Tissues (these do not dissolve)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Diapers