Water Conservation Tips

The average daily water use in the U.S. is 50 to 200 gallons per person per day. Just like everything else, the cost of delivering safe drinking water to your home is rising. As a result, so is the average bill.  You would be surprised at how much water and money you can save by taking a few simple steps.

• When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final
rinse.

• Use a broom when cleaning your driveway.

• Adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street. Do not water on windy days. Check and maintain your sprinkler system regularly. A heavy rain means you don’t have to water at all. Teach the family how to turn off an automatic sprinkler system in case a storm comes up during the sprinkling cycle.

• Buy a rain gauge to determine how much rain or irrigation your yard has received.

• When mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level.  Closely-cut grass makes the roots work harder, requiring more water.

• Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and promotes plant growth.

• Verify that your home is leak free. Many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities and adds to your water bill.

• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors to slow the flow of water.

• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.

• Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.

• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slowmoving stream from the faucet.

• Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.

• Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.

• Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed.