Water Saving Tips

In the Bathroom:

• Take a five minute shower instead of a bath. Amount saved: 15 gallons per shower

• Don't use toilets as a wastebasket, flush only when you need to. Amount saved: 12 or more gallons per day

• When brushing teeth, use a glassful of water instead of running the tap. Amount saved: 3 or more gallons per brushing.

• When taking a bath, don't run the water without closing the drain first. The warm water that comes after running the tap for a while will take care of that first cold burst of water.

In the Kitchen:

• When washing dishes by hand, fill up the sink with soap and water instead of running the water the whole time. Amount saved: 25 gallons per load

• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator when you want a drink instead of running the tap until the water cools. Amount saved: 2 gallons per drink

• Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, not under running tap water. Amount saved: 5 or more gallons per meal

• Start a compost pile as an alternative to using a kitchen sink garbage disposal. Amount saved: 5 or more gallons per meal

Outside around your home:

• Water your lawn during the early morning hours when there are low temperatures and low winds. This reduces the amount of water you lose from evaporation.

• Position your sprinklers to water only the lawn, not the sidewalk or street.

• Don't waste water hosing down your driveway or sidewalk. Amount saved: 25 gallons every five minutes not using hose

• Drive your car over your lawn when washing to save on watering it, or use a commercial car wash that recycles water.

• Don't over water your lawn during the summer, as a general rule it only needs to be watered every 5-7 days during this time.

General Tips:

• Create an awareness of the need for water conservation among your children. Avoid the purchase of recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.
• Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules and restrictions which may be in effect in your area.
• Encourage your employer to promote water conservation at the workplace. Suggest that water conservation be put in the employee orientation manual and training program.
• Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation.
• Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your Water Management District.
• Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.
• Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed waste water for irrigation and other uses.
• Support efforts and programs to create a concern for water conservation among tourists and visitors to our state. Make sure your visitors understand the need for, and benefits of, water conservation.
• Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards and by example.
• Conserve water because it is the right thing to do. Don't waste water just because someone else is footing the bill such as when you are staying at a hotel.
• Try to do one thing each day that will result in a savings of water. Don't worry if the savings is minimal. Every drop counts. And every person can make a difference. So tell your friends, neighbors and co-workers to "Turn it Off" and "Keep it Off".