Water Conservation Tips
Indoor Water Saving Tips
- While washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Partially fill both sides then use one side for wash & the other for rinse.
- Run your washing machine & dishwasher only when they are full. This could save thousands of gallons per year.
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the load.
- Compost kitchen garbage rather than use a sink garbage disposal.
- Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge rather than run water just to get a cool glass of water.
- Learn to read your water meter and keep track of how much water you use.
- Wash your produce in a pan or sink partially filled with water rather than rinsing under running water, then use that water to water your plants.
- Turn off the water while you shampoo and condition your hair.
- If your shower can fill a one gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the head with a water efficient shower head.
- Take the time to fix leaking faucets & fixtures.
- When shopping for new appliances & fixtures, consider the water efficiency they provide.
- Try to keep your showers to 5 minutes or less.
- Install a low flow toilet.
- When you clean your fish tank, use the water for your plants.
- Put food color in the tank on the back of your toilet to check for leaks. If color seeps into the bowl, repair the leak.
- Plug the bathtub before turning on the water, then as the tub fills, adjust the water temperature.
- Don’t use running water to thaw food.
- Teach children how to turn the water tap off tight.
- Soak pots and pans rather than scrubbing under running water.
- Know where your master shut off valve is for your house in case of a leak.
- Turn off the water while you brush your teeth & shave.
- Make sure all faucets have aerators.
- Insulate your hot water pipes so that you don’t have to run the water as long to get hot water.
- Try a water dam in the back of your toilet (like a brick), make sure that it doesn’t interfere with the operation of the toilet.
Outdoor Water Saving Tips
- Direct water only to areas of the yard you actually intend to water and especially away from pavement.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway.
- Collect and use rain water for water plants and shrubs.
- Direct your roof drains towards areas that need watering such as shrubs & trees.
- Bathe your pets outdoors on the lawn in the summer.
- Use drip irrigation hoses where you can to prevent evaporation.
- Water lawns only as much as needed and as often as needed (use a rain gauge to monitor).
- Cut back on fertilizer.
- Look for ways to landscape your yard so that it will require less watering (less lawn and more trees & shrubs and organic mulch as a ground cover).
- Learn about Xeriscape (landscaping that is conscious of environmental and water issues – see link below).
- Don’t water on windy days.
- Set a timer when watering so as not to accidentally over water.
- Aerate your lawn to allow water easier and quicker access to roots.
- Think of environmental issues when you think of the perfect yard. Societal norms are not always environmentally sound or sustainable.
- Consider if a mulching mower will work for you.
General Water Tips
- Create awareness in others about the value of water by talking about it.
- Encourage schools to promote a water-conscious attitude among children.
- Encourage your place of business to be water-conscious.
- Get to know more about about your own water and the issues you face locally.
- Never think that water is free; water is one of the most valuable things on the planet.
Links
WaterSense
