Water Conservation

The Public Works Department reminds residents that conserving water is not just good for the environment, it is also good for their pocketbooks. By looking for ways to reduce their water consumption, residents can save money on their water, sewer, and energy bills. To assist residents with their conservation efforts, the Public Works Department offers the following water conservation tips:

Indoor Conservation Tips

Turn off the water when you are not using it (when you brush your teeth, shave, or rinse vegetables). Unnecessary running water wastes up to five gallons per minute. Check your toilet for leaks. Put 10 drops of food coloring in the toilet tank (do not flush). If you see color in the bowl after 15 minutes, you have a leak that is wasting water and money. Fix dripping faucets and leaking pipes, both inside and outside. Even a small leak can waste up to 20 gallons per day. To learn more about reading your water meter to check for leaks, review the City’s water meter information page. Wait until you have a full load to run your dishwasher or washing machine. Do not use your toilet as a wastebasket. Every unnecessary flush wastes between three and seven gallons. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it. Rather than letting the water run when washing dishes by hand, use two basins - one for washing and one for rinsing. Install an aerator on faucets to reduce the amount of water used by adding air to the water flow. Install a low-flow showerhead to reduce water use. They have the same pressure as regular showerheads.

Outdoor Conservation Tips

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean sidewalks, patios, and driveways. When washing a car, use a bucket with soapy water and keep the hose off except for rinsing. Plant grasses and shrubs that use less water. Add a layer of mulch around trees and plants to retain moisture and discourage weeds. This can cut your yard watering by 20 to 50 percent. Water your lawn at dusk or dawn. If you water your lawn at mid-day, you are wasting up to 30 percent to evaporation. Slowly soak the lawn once per week, rather than sprinkling every day. Most lawns need about one inch of water per week. Keep your lawn two to three inches long so it will provide shade to the roots. By doing so, your lawn will need less water and less mowing. Check sprinklers to be sure they are watering your lawn, not the pavement, street, or house!

Additional Information
If residents have any further questions or would like additional information on water conservation, they should contact the Public Works Department at 503-682-4092 or visit the following websites: Regional Water Providers Consortium American Water Works Association Water Wiser Program Oregon State University Extension Service EPA’s Water Use Efficiency Program Water - Use it Wisely H2Ouse.org