Water Conservation Tips
Outdoor Water Conservation Tips
To Help Save Water Outdoors:
Automatic irrigation systems save time and water
An automatic sprinkler system can be set to water the lawn for a specified
amount of time. This saves your time and waters the lawn evenly. If you
don't have an automatic sprinkling system, set a kitchen timer. A lot
of water can be wasted in a short period of time if you forget to turn
your sprinklers off. Outdoor faucets can flow at rates as high as 300
gallons per hour.
Spot water
Drier areas require more water than areas where water settles. If necessary,
water dry areas by hand.
Use a soil probe to test soil moisture
Water only when a soil probe shows dry soil or a screwdriver is difficult
to push into the soil.
Water the lawn only when needed
Step on the grass; if it springs back up when you move your foot, it
does not need water.
Don't water the pavement
Position sprinklers so that water lands on the lawn or garden, not in
areas where it is not needed. Also avoid watering when it is windy. Wind
causes water to evaporate quickly and blows water onto areas where it
is not needed. Remember, if it doesn't grow, don't water it!
Water without waste
Interrupt watering when puddles or runoff occur. This allows the water
to penetrate into the soil before resuming irrigation.
Plant drought resistant trees and plants
Landscape with plants that require less water. These plants can be very
attractive and can survive drought better than turf. Rocks, gravel, benches,
and deck areas can all be used to creatively decorate the yard.
Consider drip irrigation systems around trees and shrubs
Drip systems permit water to flow slowly to roots, encouraging strong
root systems. These systems will also cut down evaporation.
Keep lawn free of weeds
Weeds are water thieves and will rob your plants of water and nutrients.
Spot spray or remove weeds as they appear.
Accept a less than lush lawn
Grass will naturally go dormant during periods of drought, but will readily
regenerate when water becomes available. Reduce traffic on stressed turf
areas if possible.
Match fertilizer to the plant requirement
Fertilizer applications require additional water. Excess fertilizer stimulates
top growth, often to the detriment of the root system. Learn to accept
turf grasses with low water needs.
Mow as infrequently as possible
Mowing puts the grass under additional stress that requires more water.
Mow higher than normal
Longer leaf surfaces promote deeper rooting and shade the root zone.
Never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade in one mowing. Return mulched
clippings to the lawn.
Use a broom to clean the driveway and sidewalk
Sweeping the driveway and sidewalk will get them clean enough without
wasting gallons of water.
Don't let the water run while washing the car
Get the car wet, then turn off the water while you soap the car down
using a bucket of soapy water. Turn on the water again for a final rinse.
Use the bucket of soapy water on the flower bed or garden.
Don't use the sprinklers just to cool off or for play
Running through water from a hose or sprinkler is fun but wastes gallons
of water.
Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, and faucet
All leaks cause water to be wasted. Repair or replace any equipment leaking
water.
Cover your swimming pool
Covering a swimming pool will help reduce evaporation. An average sized
pool can use about 1,000 gallons of water per month if left uncovered.
A pool cover can cut the loss by up to 90%.
Use shut-off nozzles on hoses
Shut-off nozzles completely turn off the water when you are not using
it.
Move sprinkler heads away from curbs or sidewalks
A mulch, bark, or rock area at least 8 inches wide adjacent to sidewalks
and curbs will help eliminate water waste.
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Indoor Water Conservation Tips
To Help Save Water In The Bathroom:
Check all faucets, pipes, and toilets periodically
for leaks
A faucet drip or invisible leak in the toilet will add up to 15 gallons
of water a day, or 105 gallons a week, which adds up to 5,475 gallons
of wasted water a year.
Take shorter showers or take a bath
Simply taking shorter showers will save gallons of water. For long exposures
to the water, a partially filled bath instead of a shower will use less
water.
Check for toilet leaks
Once a year, check for toilet leaks. Remove the toilet tank cover and
drip 10 drops of food coloring into the tank. After 15 minutes, check
for color in the toilet bowl. If you see any color, your toilet has a
leak and should be repaired immediately.
Don't use the toilet as a wastebasket
Using a wastebasket instead of the toilet for tissues and other bits
of trash will save gallons of water that are otherwise wasted.
Fix leaky faucets immediately
A leaky faucet may simply need a new washer. Small faucet leaks can waste
20 gallons of water a day. Large leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.
Turn off the water while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.
Don't let the water run when you brush your teeth, wash your face or
hands, or shave. This can save 3 to 7 gallons per minute.
To Help Save Water In The Kitchen and Laundry:
Fill your dishwasher
Your dishwasher uses the same amount of water whether it is full or just
partially full of dishes, so be sure to fill it. Many dishwashers have
a water saver cycle to save even more water.
Keep drinking water in your refrigerator
Don't let the faucet run until the water cools down. Instead, keep a
container of drinking water in the refrigerator. Running faucets waste
3 to 7 gallons of water per minute. Before rinsing, put the sink stopper
in place instead of running the water. If you need to use the garbage
disposal, release the used sink water as the disposal is turned on.
Defrost food in the refrigerator
When defrosting food, plan ahead to thaw it in the refrigerator or microwave
oven instead of under running water.
Select proper water level for laundry
Unlike your dishwasher, you can control the amount of water used by your
clothes washers. Select the proper water level for each load of laundry.
A front load washing machine uses 1/3 less water than a top loading machine.
Reuse fish tank water
Use fish tank water on your household plants. Besides saving water, it's
a good fertilizer as well.
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Water Facts
Water Loss with a Faucet Leak
- 30 drops/minute = 84 gallons/month = 1,008 gallons/year
- 60 drops/minute = 168 gallons/month = 2,016 gallons/year
- 90 drops/minute = 253 gallons/month = 3,036 gallons/year
- 120 drops/minute = 337 gallons/month = 4,044 gallons/year
Lawn Watering
- 1 hour lawn watering = 220 gallons
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