Water Conservation

Water is a precious resource that should be used wisely. Conservation of water saves money, protects the environment and ensures there is enough water for all uses.

Indoor water conservation tips:

Only run the dishwasher or washing machine for full loads.
- Don’t wash dishes under continuous running water. Fill one side of the sink with clean water for rinsing and use the other side for washing, or put washed dishes in a rack and rinse them all at once.
- Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a small drip from a worn washer can waste 20 gallons of water a day, while larger leaks can waste even more.
Install faucet aerators, which are inexpensive devices that can reduce water usage by up to 60%.
Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Check toilets for leaks. Add about 12 drops of food coloring, or a leak-detection tablet, into the tank. If color appears in the bowl an hour later, then there is a leak.
- Take shorter showers. Install a water-saving showerhead, which can cut water usage in the shower from 5–7 gallons per minute to just 3 gallons per minute.

Outdoor water conservation tips:

Mow your lawn so that it is between 2 and 3 inches long. This will provide natural ground shade and help promote water retention by the soil.
During dry and hot spells, your lawn may turn brown. It is not dead, but dormant, and it will revive itself when wetter weather returns.
Water no more than 1 inch per week. Place empty cans or water gauges around your lawn where you are watering and measure the depth of water to determine how long it takes to water 1 inch.
Get rid of weeds, which can compete with your plants for water.
Use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and discourage weeds.
Use native plants, which generally require less care and water.
Sweep down decks, driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them off.