Water Conservation
Why Conserve?
Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. It stretches our supplies farther. This is particularly important during the times of year when the water flow from our springs is reduced, typically in the late summer and early fall.
Ways To Conserve Water
There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you. There are many effective ways to conserve water in and around your home. Look through this list for ways that will work for you.
- 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.
- Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
- Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
- Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
- Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
- Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up.
- Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
Saving water is easy for everyone to do!