Water Conservation

Conserving water was once just for the green at heart. Now some places in the US have no choice but to watch their water consumption because of drought. Here are some easy to follow tips to save water and money.

Wait to pour water down the drain - Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden, or cleaning.

Check for leaks - Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak.

Check toilet - Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear 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.)

Dripping faucets - Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons per year which will add to the cost of water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.

Flushing - Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

Watch shower time - Take shorter showers. Replace you 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.

Watch bath levels - Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Stopper tub before turning water. The initial burst of cold water can be warmed by adding hot water later.

Running water - 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.

Dishes - When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.

Washers - Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of load you are using.

Aerators - Retrofit all wasteful household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

Pipes - Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.

If you have a water softener - Save water and salt by running the minimum amount of regenerations necessary to maintain water softness. Turn softeners off while on vacation.

Lawns - Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.

If you have a swimming pool - Consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses from l80 to 250 gallons or more of water.