Water Conservation
Conservation Tips for the Home:
In the Kitchen
– Run the dishwasher only when it is full. Many times, using the dishwasher conserves more water than washing the same dishes by hand.
– Install low-flow faucet aerators (a screen on the faucet that mixes air with water) on all your household faucets. Basic aerators can cost as little as $1.00.
– Instead of waiting for the cold water to come out of your faucet, keep a pitcher of water in your refrigerator.
– Check for, and repair faucet leaks – even a flow of 20 drips per minute can waste more than 85 gallons of water each month!
In the Bathroom
– Don’t leave the faucet running while brushing your teeth or shaving; this wastes approximately 1.5 gallons of water per minute.
– Install a water efficient shower head. Units that restrict the flow to 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less can cost as little at $10.
– Install a low flow toilet. Many homes have older model toilets that use 3-4 gallons per flush. Newer, more efficient tiolets use 1.6 gallons per flush — some even less. You can also place a half-gallon jug filled with water in the tank of an older model toilet to help reduce the water used per flush. Just be sure it doesn’t interfere with the flushing mechanism.
In the Yard
– Set your lawn mover at a higher level that usual to help reduce evaporation.
– Water lawns and plants at night to reduce evaporation. Be sure to follow any outdoor watering restrictions when you do!
– Try Xeriscaping to reduce water use. Follow the “Xeriscape” link to the right for more information.