Water Conservation Tips

Water is a limited resource, but is also essential to each of us every day. Water conservation is one important way to stretch existing water supplies. Remember that in single-family homes, a majority of the water utilized is outside. However, there are many measures that should be taken inside.

Here are some simple, but effective ways you can conserve water at home.

Bathroom

• Install a low-flow showerhead.
• Turn off the water when shaving, brushing your teeth and lathering in the shower.
• Take three-minute showers instead of baths.
• Put aerators in bathroom and kitchen sink faucets.
• Replace old, water-guzzling toilets with ultra low-flow models.
• Repair leaky toilets, faucets and pipes.

Kitchen

• Run only full loads in dishwashers and washing machines.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap while it cools
• Capture tap water in a watering can while waiting for hot water. Use this water for houseplants.

Outdoors

• Irrigate your yard in the evening or morning when evaporation rates are lower.
• Landscape with drought-tolerant plants.
• Use a broom rather than hosing off driveways, patios or walkways.
• Adjust your sprinklers so they don't water the sidewalk or driveway.
• Wash your car with a bucket, sponge and hose with a shut-off valve.

Additional tips can be found at www.bewaterwise.com