Water Conservation Tips

In the Bathroom

• Repair all leaks and drips. These add up to money down the drain
• Install low flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Limit shower time to 5 minutes.
• Keep tub bathing to a minimum, and instead, take quick showers.
• Do not leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Install a new 1.6 gallon per flush toilet, or use a toilet displacement device in your existing one (but do not use a brick, as it can disintegrate and cause plumbing problems.
• Do not use the toilet as a wastebasket or ashtray.

In the Kitchen

• Run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink with soap and water instead of running the tap. Fill another basin with clean water for rinsing.
• Keep a container of drinking water in the refrigerator, instead of running the tap until the water is cool.
• Don’t let the faucet run while cleaning vegetables.  Instead, rinse them in a sink or bowl filled with clean water.
• Thaw frozen foods ahead of time rather than under running water.

Outdoors

• Use a broom to clear debris from walkways and driveways instead of hosing them down with water.
• Water your lawn only when it needs it, and only before 10:00am or after 6:00 pm. One inch of water per week is sufficient to keep your lawn and plants healthy.
• Make sure that sprinklers are watering only the landscape, not the driveway and street. Do not water on windy days.
• Plant drought tolerant and/or native trees and plants.  Use mulch to help retain moisture.
• When washing a car, use soap and water from a bucket.  Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse only, or use a commercial car wash that recycles it wash water.
• Report leaks in fire hydrants, plumbing or other public facilities so that they can be repaired.