Conservation
Water is a precious, limited commodity. With less than 1% of the water on Earth ready to drink, we must use water responsibly. The following tips will help make a difference.
- When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk or street.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
- For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.
- Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
- If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you will save up to 150 gallons per month.
- Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive and can save up to 140 gallons a week.
- Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
- Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
- Use a water-efficient shower head. They are inexpensive, easy to install and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
- Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
- If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
- Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.