Water Quality and Water Conservation

Urban Sprawl and Public Health

Conservation and protecting our water sup­ply is a job for every­one and is cost-effective and sim­ple to do. There are hun­dreds of ways to con­serve water – every­thing from turn­ing off the faucet while you brush to using low flow appli­ances. Con­serv­ing hot water and using it only when really needed also con­serves energy (and money!) by reduc­ing the amount of energy required to heat more water.

Easy Tips to Reduce Water Waste Year-Round

Winter

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

• If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.

• 25% of your energy bill goes to heating water to shower, bathe and clean. Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

• Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.

• When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up

Spring

• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street, and set your system to operate during minimal-evaporation hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm).

• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

• Instead of planting in the spring, plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

• Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and save water, time and money.

Summer

• Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining.

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street, and set your system to operate during minimal-evaporation hours (before 9 am and after 5 pm).

• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

• Instead of planting in the spring, plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

• Spread a layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture and save water, time and money.

• For cold drinks, keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

• Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

• Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.

• Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it’s moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough moisture.

• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost food waste instead and save gallons every time.

Fall

• Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.

• 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.

• Don’t use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.

• Teach children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.