Water Conservation Tips

Conserving water is easy and there is something that each of us can do. Here are some tips and ideas to help get you started:

IN THE BATHROOM:

• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and save four gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons each week for a family of four.
• Turn off the water while shaving and save. Fill the bottom of the sink with a few inches of water to rinse your razor. Saves three gallons each day.
• Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it down the toilet and save gallons of water every time.
• Before you lather up, install a low-flow showerhead. They are inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you and your family more than 500 gallons a week.
• Shorten your showers up to 5 minutes and save up to 700 gallons of water each month. Wash, lather, and rinse.

IN THE KITCHEN:

• When washing dishes by hand, use the least amount of detergent possible. This minimizes rinse water needed.
• Do not let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan.
• Do not defrost frozen foods with running water. Plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave.
• Use the garbage disposal less by composting your food.

IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM:

• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and save up to 1,000 gallons per year.

IN THE FRONT YARD AND BACKYARD:

• Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered, and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
• Choose water-efficient drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs, and flowers.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveways and sidewalks, and save up to 80 gallons of water every time you clean.
• Always water during the early morning hours, when temperature are cooler, to minimize evaporation.
• Water deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscape.