10 Easy Ways to Conserve Water
By using water-saving features you can reduce your in-home water use by 35%. This means the average household, which uses 130,000 gallons per year, could save 44,000 gallons of water per year.
1) Slow the flow
Install low-flow faucet aerators on each of your faucets and a low-flow shower head in the bathroom. You’ll keep the water pressure high, but reduce your average household water usage by up to 45 gallons a day.
2) Flush smarter
If you’re building a new home or are considering a remodel, there are many great, environmentally friendly options for dual-flush toilets that conserve water with every flush. For a DIY low-flow version, place 2 plastic bottles weighed down with pebbles and water inside your toilet tank (away from mechanical parts). Just make sure there are at least 3 gallons of water remaining in the tank so it flushes properly - otherwise you’ll have to flush twice and miss the whole point!
3) Put less down the drain
Compost food and vegetable waste instead of using water to flush it down the garbage disposal.
4) Turn it off
This water conservation tip is an oldie, but a goodie - turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. And when shaving, fill up the sink with a few inches of water to rinse off the blade, instead of keeping the faucet running.
5) Fill ‘er up!
If you have a dishwasher, make sure to only run full loads to make good use of all that water. If you’re washing by hand, fill up the sink to conserve water rather than keep the faucet running.
6) Think ahead
If you like your drinking water cold, keep a water filter pitcher in the refrigerator rather than running the tap until it gets cold each time. That way you’ll stay hydrated and not waste a drop!
7) Check for leaks
To check if your toilet is leaking, put a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes - if you see color in the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak!
8) Raise your glass
Give each person in your household a designated glass or reusable water bottle, so they don’t grab a new glass each time they want a drink. As an added bonus, you'll seriously cut down on the number of dishes you have to wash!
9) Catch what you can
Place a bucket in the shower with you or under your rain spout to collect water and reuse it to water your plants and lawn.
10) Grow it out
Raise your lawnmower blade so it doesn’t cut the grass too short. Longer grass shades the soil, so it holds moisture longer. And when you do water your lawn, make sure it's during the cooler morning or evening hours to minimize evaporation and conserve water.
Check this web-site for more information: http://wateruseitwisely.com/.
A message from MUD #261 and Woodwind Lakes HOA Marianne