Conservation Tips

How much water do you use?

Are you using more water than you think?  Check your bill.  You may be surprised to find how much water you are using and how much money you can save if you follow some of these conservation tips.  Remember every drop counts!

Saving Water Indoors

	Repair leaking faucets and toilets!  If you faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can waste 2,700 gallons per year.
	Replace your old toilet, the largest water user inside your home.  The new water saving toilets use just 1.6 gallons per flush.
	Use your dishwasher and clothes washer only when you have a full load.  And make sure the water level is correct for each load.
	Your clothes washer is the second largest water user in the home.  Many new Energy Star rated washers also have a Water Factor at or lower than 9.5.  They use 35% - 50% less water and 50% less energy per load.
	Take short showers rather than baths, using a low-flow showerhead of course.
	Install low-flow faucets and fixtures.
	Don't use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.  Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator on by using the defrost setting of your microwave.
	Insulate your water pipes.  You'll get hot water faster and won't waste water while it heats up.
	Store drinking water in the refrigerator.  Don't let the tap run while you're waiting for cool water to flow.
	Turn off the faucet while you shave, brush your teeth or hand-wash dishes.

Saving Water Outdoors

	If you water your lawn, only do so when absolutely necessary.  Lawns need only one inch of water per week - from all sources.  So, if there has been an inch of rain during the week, you don't need to water.
	Use mulch around trees and shrubs and in your garden beds.
	For landscaping, use native plants or those that use less water.  Check with the local nursery for your best choices.
	Use an inexpensive rain gauge to measure how much rain or irrigation your yard has received.
	Adjust your sprinkler to water only your lawn and plants - not the sidewalk, house or street.  Don't water on windy days or in the middle of the day, to reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation.
	Use shut-off nozzles on hoses and automatic shut-off devices on irrigation systems.
	Limit your pesticide and fertilizer use.  They will eventually find their way into the water supply.