Water Conservation Tips

Even in areas where water seems abundant,
water conservation is important. And you can
help improve water quality just by conserving
at home.

In addition to saving money on your utility bill,
water conservation helps prevent water
pollution in nearby lakes, rivers and local
watersheds.

If you are on your own septic system, conserving
water can extend the life of the system by
reducing soil saturation, and reduce any
pollution due to leaks. Overloading municipal
sewer systems can also cause untreated
sewage to flow to lakes and rivers. The smaller
the amount of water flowing through these
systems, the lower the likelihood of pollution.
In some communities, costly sewage system
expansion has been avoided by communitywide
household water conservation.

in the home...

       <> Check for hidden water leaks <>
Do not use water for about a 2 hour period, read the
house water meter before and after. If the meter does
not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

       <> Insulate your water pipes. <>
It's easy and inexpensive to insulate your water pipes
with pre-slit foam pipe insulation. You'll get hot water
faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

       <> Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators <>
There are inexpensive water saving shower heads or restrictors that are easy for the homeowner to install. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off, because long, hot showers can use five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. .

Also, all household faucets should be fit with aerators. This single best home water conservation method is also the cheapest!

       <> Take shorter showers. <>
One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse. A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

       <> Turn off the water after you wet your toothbrush <>
There is no need to keep the water running while brushing your teeth. Just wet your brush and fill a glass for mouth rinsing.

       <> Rinse your razor in the sink <>
Fill the sink with a few inches of warm water. This will rinse your razor just as well as running water, with far less waste of water.

       <> Check faucets and pipes for leaks <>
A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

       <> Check your toilets for leaks <>
Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. Do not flush. Within 30 minutes, if the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately. Most replacement parts are inexpensive and easy to install.

       <> Don't use the toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket <>
Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, five to seven gallons of water is wasted.

       <> Put plastic bottles in your toilet tank <>
To cut down on water waste, put an inch or two of sand or pebbles inside each of two plastic bottles to weigh them down. Fill the bottles with water, screw the lids on, and put them in your toilet tank, safely away from the operating mechanisms. This may save ten or more gallons of water per day. Be sure at least 3 gallons of water remain in the tank so it will flush properly.

For new installations, consider buying "low flush" toilets, which use 1 to 2 gallons per flush instead of the usual 3 to 5 gallons.

      <> Use your dishwasher / clothes washer for only full loads <>
Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation. Avoid the permanent press cycle, which uses an added 20 liters (5 gallons) for the extra rinse. For partial loads, adjust water levels to match the size of the load. If you're in the market for a new clothes washer, consider buying a water-saving frontload washer.

       <> Minimize use of kitchen sink garbage disposal units <>
In sink 'garburators' require lots of water to operate properly, and also add considerably to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to maintenance problems. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste and generating new soil for your yard. For easy work, see these composters.

        <> When washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing <>
If your have a double-basin, fill one with soapy water and one with rinse water. If you have a single-basin sink, gather washed dishes in a dish rack and rinse them with a spray device or a panful of hot water.

        <> Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables <>
Just rinse them in a pan of clean water or sink.

        <> Keep a pitcher or bottle of drinking water in the fridge. <>
Running tap water to cool it off for drinking water is wasteful.

         <>Use Biodegradable soaps for all your cleaning needs <>

Using biodegradable detergents and cleaners in your daily routine will minimize the impact on the wastewater that goes through your City Wastewater Management System; thus keeping the filtering cost down.

in the yard and garden...

          <> Water your lawn only when it needs it <>
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will promote water retention in the soil. Using composted soil will also help retain the water in the lawn.

          <> Deep-soak your lawn <>
When watering the lawn, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems. Put an empty tuna can on your lawn - when it's full, you've watered about the right amount.

         <> Water during cool parts of day; not when windy <>
Early morning is generally better than dusk since it helps prevent the growth of fungus. Watering early in the day is also the best defense against slugs and other garden pests. Try not to water when it's windy - wind can blow sprinklers off target and speed evaporation.

         <> Use efficient watering systems for shrubs, flower beds and lawns <>
You can greatly reduce the amount of water used for shrubs, beds and lawns with strategic placement of soaker hoses, rain barrel catchment systems, and simple drip-irrigation systems.

         <> Plant drought-resistant shrubs and plants <>
Many beautiful shrubs and plants thrive with far less watering than other species. Replace herbaceous perennial borders with native plants. Consider applying the principles of xeriscape for a low-maintenance, drought resistant yard.

         <> Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants <>
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture while discouraging weed growth.

          <> Don't water the gutter <>
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also, avoid watering on windy days.

          <> Don't run the hose while washing your car <>
Clean the car using a pail of biodegradable soapy water. Use the hose only for rinsing.

          <> Use a broom, not hose, to clean driveways / sidewalks <>

          <> Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings <>
Use hose washers at spigots and hose connections to eliminate leaks. Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible. But they can be just as wasteful as leaks indoors. Check frequently to keep them drip-free.

Use natural rainwater for your yard and garden to conserve the water we have, AND save on your water bill!
                         See information on Rainbarrels



                                                                                                                                top of page


                           Sustainable Life Info Copyright © 2006-2008 DLH Business Associates.
                                                                      All rights reserved.