Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping
at a rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons
per year. This adds to the cost of water and sewer utilities and adds to
your water bill.
Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow
restrictors to slow the flow of water.
Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the
toilet is leaking, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 30 minutes.
Check the toilet for worn out, corroded or bent parts. Most replacement
parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as
soon as test is done, since food coloring may stain tank.)
If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water
run constantly, replace or adjust it.
Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut
down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure installation
does not interfere with the operating parts. When purchasing new or
replacement toilets, consider low-volume units which use less than half
the water of older models. In many areas, low-volume units are required by
local building codes.
Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow
version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow
without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn
back on to rinse off. Repeat when washing your hair.
Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully
loaded. Set the water level for the size of load you are using.
When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water.
Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap run while you
are waiting for cool water to flow.
Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food
overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your
microwave.
Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a
compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste, instead of
using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50 percent to the
volume of solids in the sewer system or they can lead to problems with a
septic tank.
Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you
don’t have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce water
heating costs for your household.
Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster and avoid wasting
water while it heats up.
Don’t let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth
first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling
the basin.
Install water softening systems only when necessary. Save water and salt
by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water
softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.
If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. Listen to hear
if the pump kicks on and off while water is not being used. If it does,
you have a leak.
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and
other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
Teach children to turn water faucets off tightly after use.
Use drought tolerant plants and grasses for landscaping and reduce grass covered areas.
General Water Saving Tips
Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in
effect in your community. Don’t assume — even if you get your water from a
private well — that you need not observe good water use rules. Every drop
counts.
Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace.
Suggest that water conservation be put in employee orientation and
training programs.
Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant
sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner,
local authorities or your water management district.
Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and
promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste
water for irrigation and other uses.
Support efforts and programs that create a concern for water conservation
among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors
understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious
community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on
bulletin boards and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors and
co-workers to "do their part".
Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don’t waste water just
because someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at
a hotel.
Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. Don’t worry
if the savings are minimal. Every drop counts. You can make a difference.
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