Why do we need to conserve?

While it rains a lot in this area, it doesn't rain much in the summer when we use the most water.  Conservation is the most cost-effective source of water supply.  Following are some water conservation tips.

     Leak Detection and Repair

Did you know that a leaking toilet can waste up to 150 gallons per day? A dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons per day?  Or a hot water leak can cost you .40 cents or more per day in electricity?

  Faucets

Faucet leaks are usually caused by worn washers or "O" rings (for washer-less faucets).  Repairing faucet leaks is easy.  All you have to do is turn off the water supply line to that faucet, replace the washer and turn on the water line again.

  Outside Taps

Check the outside taps for leaking water.  A hose mistakenly left dribbling away in the grass or garden can waste thousands of gallons of water over the course of a summer.  Remember to close outside faucets tightly every time you shut off the water.

  Showerheads

Standard shower heads dispense 5-15 gallons of water per minute. Pair this culprit with the toilet, and it's no surprise that 2/3 of all water used in the home flows through the bathroom. 

  Toilets

Toilet leaks are the most common household water waster.  To determine if your toilet is leaking, look at the toilet bowl after the tank has stopped filling.  If water is still running into the bowl, or if water can be heard running, your toilet is leaking.

Although water may not be seen or heard running, your toilet may have a silent leak. To test for a silent leak, drop a little food coloring into the tank. DO NOT FLUSH. Wait for about 20 minutes, if the food coloring appears in the toilet bowl, your toilet has a silent leak. These leaks are also easy to fix with parts from your hardware or home store.

Reduce the water level per flush by installing an ultra low-flow toilet or a toilet water displacement device.  Use a plastic bottle weighted with pebbles and water.  Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.  Don't displace so much water that you need to double flush.  Do not use a brick or any other item that could break down or disintegrate 

     Lawn Watering

  How Much?

To keep your lawn healthy, you need to replace the water that is lost to evaporation and transpiration (loss of water through plant tissues). Even during the hottest part of summer, a healthy lawn needs no more than one inch of water per week. To measure this, place empty tuna cans or similar containers around your lawn while your sprinkler is running. Time how long it takes to fill the cans one inch. This is the total amount of time you should water your lawn in one week.

  How Often?

Water only when your lawn needs it (a simple testing device can be used to determine need).  Whether you water every three days or once a week, make sure you apply no more than one inch per week, including rainfall.

  When?

The best time to water is late in the evening or early in the morning when the evaporation rate is lowest.