Water Conservation
 
You may be surprised to discover that the process that will turn our MISUSE of water into an appropriate USE of water is actually very easy and involves just a few simple steps we can implement in our homes and public places.
 
  • KITCHEN:
  • When waiting for hot water from the faucet, catch the cool water in pitchers and use it for general household needs. Better yet, install a small hot water dispenser on your faucet. It will reduce the amount that's allowed to run down the drain.
  • Place a pitcher of cold water into the refrigerator rather than wasting the warmer water. Run only full loads in the dishwasher.
  • When washing dishes by hand, rather than rinsing them under running water, fill the second side of the sink with clean rinse water.
  • Never pour water down the drain when there may be a use for it somewhere else in the house or garden.
  • Defrost food in the refrigerator overnight rather than under running water.
  • Compost instead of using a disposal. Disposals required a lot of water to do their job.
  • Only run the dishwasher when FULL.
 
  • BATHROOM:
  • Limit showers to five minutes or less.
  • Install a water-saving shower head to save even more!
  • Don't use the toilet for an ashtray or wastebasket. Cut down on unnecessary flushing
  • Test for toilet tank leaks. Put a few drops of red food coloring in the tank and wait to see if coloring appears in the bowl.
  • Do NOT use a brick as displacement tool in the toilet tank. These can deteriorate and cause BIG plumbing problems. Try a plastic bottle filled with rocks and recapped.
  • Do not run the water while shaving or brushing your teeth.
  • Catch run-off water from showers and use it to water household plants.
 
  • OUTDOORS:
  • Apply the 7 principles of Xeriscape gardening to your outdoor landscaping.
  • Use a broom to clean off driveways and sidewalks instead of hosing them down.
  • Watering midday can claim as much as a 30% evaporation loss.
  • If your grass bounces back when you walk on it, chances are it doesn't need watering that day.
  • Keep grass at least two inches high so it can provide shade for itself.
  • Aerate your soil to encourage better absorption and less run-off.
  • Wash your car using a bucket of water rather than letting the hose run continually.
  • If your children have been running through the sprinkler, consider your lawn in that area, WELL WATERED!
 
  • PUBLIC USES:
  • When in restaurants, decline the complimentary glass of water by turning the glass over.
  • Encourage employers to practice water conservation.
  • Speak with local educators about developing and implementing water conservation curriculum.
  • Support state and local projects that increase use of reclaimed waste water.
  • Suggest to tourism boards that information on state water conservation policies be made available to state visitors.


- Helps you Measure and Estimate Water Wasted Due to Leaks

Drips per Minute (small/slower leaks)
Simply count the number of drips in one minute from the leaky fixture.
Note: 5 drips per second amounts to a steady stream.

Enter number of drips per minute into the box below and click "Calculate."
 
Gallons Wasted/Day
Gallons Wasted/Month*
Gallons Wasted/Year
  
"Bucket and Stopwatch Method"
(large/more rapid leaks)
Hold an eight ounce cup under the dripping fixture and, with a stopwatch, time how long it takes to fill the cup.

Enter the total time in seconds into the box below and click "Calculate."
 
Gallons Wasted/Day
Gallons Wasted/Month*
Gallons Wasted/Year
 

*Assuming a 30 day month
Please note! Proper operation requires Netscape and Internet Explorer versions 3.0 or higher.
Information Source: Water Audits and Leak Detection � 1990 American Water Works Association

� 1999 American Water Works Association

Links:
Warren Soil & Water Conservation District
Project WET
High Plains Underground Water Conservation District No.1
Savannah-Chatham Water Conservation Program
Pinellas County Utilities
Paradise Irrigation District
Thames Water
Install a Drip Irrigation System
American Water Works Association
ENERGY STAR� Clothes Washer
WaterShare
The Land and Water Conservation Fund
Visit Water Wiser
Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA)

 

"I want to make sure everybody knows the score. About using less, doing so much more." John Denver

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