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Conservation Tips
Water conservation should be a year round practice. Everyone can reduce their water consumption and be water smart by taking these simple steps.
Kitchen & Laundry
Lawns & Landscaping
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Other Outdoor Use
- Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off.
- When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Avoid purchasing recreational water toys, which require a constant stream of water.
- If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter.
- Lower pool water level to reduce amount of water splashed out.
- Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
Bathrooms
- Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
- Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
- If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full. Bathe small children together.
- Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it - such as watering a plant or garden.
- A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If you see the same coloring in the bowl, it is leaking.
- Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.
- Install ultra-low flow toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water or gravel in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with operation of the toilet's flush mechanisms.
- Install low-flow aerators and shower heads.
Kitchen & Laundry
- Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush.
- Do not use water to defrost frozen foods, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Use a dishpan for washing and rinsing dishes.
- Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher.
- Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.
- Operate the dishwasher only when completely full.
- Operate the washing machine only when you have a full load.