Homeowners can significantly decrease the amount of water used each day by following just a few simple “tips” for water conservation. Conserving water not only helps the environment, it also helps save money. Please call our office to receive a free water conservation kit.

Ten Simple Tips for Conserving Water Inside:

1. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded.

2. Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or in the microwave instead of running water over it.

3. When washing dishes by hand, use two basins - one for washing and one for rinsing rather than let the water run.

4. Repair dripping faucets. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year.

5. Use low-flow faucets, showerheads, reduced-flow toilet flushing equipment, and water saving appliances such as dish and clothes washers.

6. Check for leaky toilets. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. You can test your toilet for a leak by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet leaks, color will appear in the toilet bowl within 15 minutes.

7. You can reduce the amount of water an older toilet uses by placing a half-gallon plastic jug in the tank.

8. Take a look at your water meter while no water is being used in your house. If it goes up, you obviously have a problem! This can also help you locate underground service leaks.

9. Take short showers instead of baths and avoid letting faucets run unnecessarily.

10. Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run while you wait for cool water.

Ten Simple Steps for Conserving Water Outdoors:

1. Do not over-water your lawn or garden. Over-watering may increase leaching of fertilizers to ground water.

2. Don't water your lawn during the hottest part of the day or when it is windy. This will prevent water loss from evaporation.

3. Set mower blades one notch higher since longer grass means less evaporation.

4. Use a broom, rather than a hose, to sweep up driveways and sidewalks.

5. Never dump anything down storm drains.

6. Wash your car with a bucket of soapy water and use a nozzle to stop the flow of water from the hose between rinsing.

7. Check for leaks in outdoor faucets, pipes and hoses.

8. Prevent the creation of leaks by shutting off and draining water lines to outside spigots in the winter.

9. Cover your spa or pool to reduce evaporation. An average size pool left uncovered can lose as much as 1,000 gallons (3,785 liters) of water per month.

10. Check your spa/pool for leaks and have them repaired promptly.