Water Conservation Facts & Tips

Conserve: despite what some may believe, every drop makes a difference!!

Over the years, our water supply has declined substantially due to increasing populations and droughts. This has caused degradation to our natural habitat and has and will continue to negatively impact our every day lives if we do not pay closer attention to how we use and waste water. Our survival is directly linked to the supply of water; we must therefore bridge the gap that will enable us to ensure adequate supply of clean and safe water for many years to come. To help accomplish this goal, we should incorporate water conservation tips into our every day lives.

Listed below are some very simple tips that can be placed into action both inside and outside of our homes. These tips will not only save the supply of source water, but can also impact your wallet in a positive way by saving you money from reducing your water bill:

• 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.
  
  
• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  
  
• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
  
  
• Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
  
  
• We're more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
  
  
• Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
  
  
• When you shop for a new appliance, consider one offering cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy-efficient than older appliances.
  
  
• Time your shower to keep it under 5 minutes. You'll save up to 1000 gallons a month.
  
  
• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
  
  
• Put food coloring in you toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak. It's easy to fix, and you can save more than 600 gallons a month.
  
  
• Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet, It's simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
  
  
• Teach your children to turn the faucets off tightly after each use.
  
  
• Make sure you know where your master shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
  
  
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save 4 gallons a minute. That's 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
  
  
• Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
  
  
• Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save gallons every time.
  
  
• Wash clothes only when you have a full load and save up to 600 gallons each month.
  
  
• Report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water management district.
  
  
• Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons each month.
  
  
• Choose new water-saving appliances, like washing machines that save up to 20 gallons per load.
  
  
• Most importantly: be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules and restrictions that may be in effect in your area.         

One of the most precious resources found in our environment is water.

This doesn't appear
to be a known fact 
by many based on the 
evidence of obvious 
abuse and waste 
of this valuable
resource.