Water Conservation

What can we do!

1. Check faucets and pipes for leaks
2. Don’t use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket
3. Check your toilets for leaks
4. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks
5. Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators
6. Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!
7. Put plastic bottles or float booster in your toilet tank (To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. Or, buy an inexpensive tank bank or float booster. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly. If there is not enough water to get a proper flush, users will hold the lever down too long or do multiple flushes to get rid of waste. Two flushings at 1.4 gallons is worse than a single 2.0 gallon flush. A better suggestion would be to buy an adjustable toilet flapper that allow for adjustment of their per flush use.  Then the user can adjust the flush rate to the minimum per flush setting that achieves a single good flush each time.
8.  Take shorter showers.
9. Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush
10. Rinse your razor in the sink
11. Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads
12.  When washing dishes by hand, don’t leave the water running for rinsingPlant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants
13.  Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants
14. Water your lawn only when it needs it-A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn’t need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3″) will also promote water retention in the soil.Most lawns only need about 1″ of water each week. During dry spells, you can stop watering altogether and the lawn will go brown and dormant. Once cooler weather arrives, the morning dew and rainfall will bring the lawn back to its usual vigor. This may result in a brown summer lawn, but it saves a lot of water.
15. Deep-soak your lawn = When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn – when it’s full, you’ve watered about the right amount. Visit our natural lawn care page for more information.
16. Water during the early parts of the day; avoid watering when it’s windy
17. Add organic matter and use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns
18. Don’t run the hose while washing your car- Clean the car using a pail of soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing – this simple practice can save as much as 150 gallons when washing a car. Use a spray nozzle when rinsing for more efficient use of water. Better yet, use a waterless car washing system; there are several brands, such as EcoTouch, which are now on the market.
19. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks

 

Water conservation comes naturally when everyone in the family is aware of its importance, and parents take the time to teach children some of the simple water-saving methods around the home which can make a big difference.

Tagged: Water conservation