Inefficient Water Use versus Efficient Water Use practices
WATER CONSERVATION STAFF FAVORITES
• Install faucet aerators. This simple and cheap device, $5 - $10, will save the average home 14,700 gallons per year! Old-fashioned faucets use 2.75 gallons per minute, but low-flow aerators can reduce flow to 0.5 or 1.5 gallons per minute.
• Install a hot water recirculation pump for instant hot water! The pump cost around $250 but no longer will you waste cold water while waiting for hot water in the shower. This added convenience will allow you to save on average 15,000 gallons of water per year!
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While waiting for the shower water to heat up, collect the cold water in a 5 gallon container which then can be used to water plants and the garden.
STOP LEAKS!
• Dripping faucets, wasting up to 192 gallons per month.
• Leaking toilet. Losses of 30-500 gallons per day! Put a few drops of food coloring or a toilet leak detection tablet in the tank and wait for 15 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, you have a leak.
• Leaking pool plumbing – up to 970 gallons a day!
CHANGE HABITS AND PAY ATTENTION!
• Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.
• Defrost food in refrigerator instead of using running water: A running faucet uses about a gallon of water per minute.
• Consider energy and water efficiency when purchasing new laundry machines: Newer models use 40% less water and can save up to 6000 gal/year.
• Never water your garden or lawn in the middle of the day or on windy days. As much as 30% of water used can be lost to evaporation during midday. Water during the coolest part of the day; after 7 pm and before 9 am.
• Collect rainwater for reuse in the garden whenever possible.
• Pull weeds regularly. Weeds compete with your other plants for water.
• Aerate your lawn to help water absorb into the soil. It also reduces run-off.
• Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth, save 2 gallons per minute.
• Cut your shower by two minutes and save up to 150 gallons per month.
• Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of hosing them down. Save 150 gallons each time.
• Install an automatic hose shut-off.
• Only run dishwasher when full. Save 6 gallons per load.
• Only run washing machine when full. Save 15-50 gallons per load!
• When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered, not the house or the sidewalk.
• Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
• Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
• Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought
tolerance.
• Use a commercial car wash that recycles water - on average, a recycling car wash system uses half the amount of water a non-recycling system uses.
• Teach your family how to shut off your automatic sprinkler systems so whoever is home can turn sprinklers off when it rains.
• Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
• Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month!
• Instead of discarding the water you boiled vegetables/rice/pasta in, water your garden with it. The water is packed with nutrients and your plants will love you!
• When you give your pet fresh water, don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
Did you know that 80% of plant deaths are caused by over watering?
