Water Conservation- What Can I Do?

It’s Water Wednesday so here is a quick list on how you can incorporate water conservation into your everyday lifestyle.  Together, we must find ways to practice water conservation and help save our most valuable resource. Water conservation starts with you!

WHY CONSERVE?

Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. Using less water also puts less pressure on our sewage treatment facilities, and uses less energy for water heating.

WHAT CAN I DO?
There are many effective ways to conserve water in and around your home. Look through this list for ways that will work for you. Together- we can make a difference.

•    Use it over again- Use grey water from your washer, bathtubs, showers and bath sinks to help irrigate your landscape. Most households generate 20-35 gallons per day.

•    Use Leftover cooking water- Not only does it save water; the nutrients from what you cooked will help grow your plant.

•    Don’t let water run while you shave or brush your teeth- If you do, you waste up to 10 gallons of water!

•    Put a capped, water–filled plastic bottle in your conventional toilet tank (one-liter size works the best. You can also add stones for weight and make sure it’s away from working parts).
This will help save about ¼  gallon of water each time you flush.

•  Take shorter showers- You use about 5 gallons of water per minute during your shower.

•   Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

•   Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

•    Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.

•   Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

•   Collect water from your roof to water your garden.

•    Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.

•    Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.

These are just a few ways you can help conserve water this summer. Please share your ideas with us on how you and your family save water!