Water Conservation Action Tips

Inside

Check your home for leaks: read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly the same, there is a leak. Repair all leaks a.s.a.p.!
Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily by disposing of tissues and other waste into the trash can.
Take shorter showers and consider buying an ultra-low-flow showerhead.
Do not let water run while brushing your teeth or washing your face.
Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a glass of water.
Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded.
Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste rather than using a garbage disposal.
Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up.
Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it.
Use phosphate-free detergents.
Choose natural cleansers - borax, ammonia, vinegar, or baking soda.
Recycle water from your fish tank by using it to water plants. Fish emulsion is a good, inexpensive fertilizer high in nitrogen and phosphorus.

Do not drink water directly from a pond, creek, stream, river, or lake without bringing it to a rolling boil for at least one minute. Let the water cool before drinking it.
Use a broom rather than a hose to clean sidewalks and driveways.
Place a layer of mulch around trees and plants to retain water.
Use a moisture indicator to tell when your lawn needs watering and when it does not.
Do not over-water your lawn. As a general rule, lawns only need watering every five to seven days in the summer and every ten to fourteen days in the winter. A hearty rain eliminates the need for watering for as long as two weeks.
Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speeds are the lowest. This reduces losses from evaporation.
Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely-clipped lawn.
Plant native and/or drought tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.
Consider installing drip irrigation for individual bushes, trees, flowers, and garden areas.
For swimming pools, consider buying a cover to reduce evaporation and a water-saving pool filter.

Use rechargeable batteries.
Choose organic paint and natural finishes - wax and organic wood stains and natural preservatives.
Support wetland preservation efforts.
Have any abandoned wells on your property sealed by a licensed contractor.
Replace any underground storage tanks on your property with aboveground storage.
Have septic systems pumped out every one to three years by a qualified plumber.
Support water conservation effort at work and home!

* Special thanks to the American Water Works Association. Please visit their web site at www.awwa.org for additional information.