-
Install a low-flow showerhead that restricts the
flow of water from the shower to 2.5 gallons per minute.
-
Install a low-flow toilet that uses only 1.6
gallons of water per flush.
-
Take short showers. Install a showerhead with a
cutoff valve or turn t
he
water off while soaping and turn it back on again to rinse.
-
When brushing teeth, turn the water off until it
is time to rinse.
-
Do not let the water run while washing hands. Turn
the water off while soaping and turn it on again to rinse.
-
When shaving, fill the lavatory with hot water
instead of letting the water run continuously.
-
Test toilets for leaks. Add a few drops of food
coloring or a dye tablet to the water in the toilet tank, but do
not flush the toilet. Wait a few minutes to see if the coloring
appears in the bowl. If so, the toilet has a silent leak that
needs to be repaired.
-
Use a toilet tank water displacement device, such
as a toilet dam or bag. Also, a plastic bottle can be filled with
stones or with water, recapped, and placed in the toilet tank.
These devices will reduce the volume of water in the tank but will
still provide enough for flushing. (Bricks are not recommended as
they eventually crumble and can damage the flushing mechanism.)
Displacement devices are not recommended for use with newer
low-flow toilets.
-
Never use the toilet as a trash can to dispose of
bugs, cigarette butts, or other items. Unnecessary flushing wastes
water and places an unnecessary burden on sewage treatment plants
and septic tanks.
-
Never run the dishwasher without having a full
load.
-
Keep a container of drinking water in the
refrigerator instead of running water from the tap until it is
cool.
-
Keep conservation in mind when working in the
kitchen. Small water savings, such as not making too much coffee
or letting ice cubes melt in a sink, can add up over time.
-
Wash only a full load when using the washing
machine. It takes about 32 to 59 gallons of water per load!
-
Please be aware of and abide by any landscape
watering ordinance that your town or city has in place.
-
Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter
summer months to reduce evaporation losses.
-
Use a sprinkler that throws large drops of water
rather than a fine mist. This will reduce water losses from wind
drift and evaporation.
-
Consider use of drip irrigation for bedded plants,
trees, or shrubs.
-
Do not over-water or water too frequently.
-
Use mulches to help reduce soil moisture losses.
-
Do not "sweep" the driveway or sidewalk with water
from the hose. Use a broom instead.
-
Do not water the streets, sidewalks, and
driveways. You won't grow a thing there! Also, stop your lawn
watering before the water runs off your property and into the
street.
-
Use a bucket of soapy water and use the hose only
for rinsing when washing the car.
-
Consider xeriscaping for a water conservation
landscape.
URBAN - In The Home
