Water Conservation Tips for conserving home water usage

Whether you receive your home water from a municipal water supply system or your own well, it is in everyone’s interest to conserve water. With a few simple steps, you can save hundreds of gallons of water each week. In addition to any specific restrictions from state or local authorities, here are some Do’s and Don’ts.

• Bathrooms account for nearly 75% of water usage in the average home. Taking shorter showers can save up to 7 gallons a minute.

• Fill the bathtub just halfway and save up to 15 gallons.

• Dispose of tissues, dental floss and similar items in the trash and don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.

• Do not let the water run when washing your face, shaving or brushing teeth.

• If you don’t have a low-flow toilet, place a brick in the tank to reduce water use.

• Install reduced-flow aerators on all faucets and showerheads.

• Insulate water pipes to reduce the time to get hot water running from the tap.

• Run the dishwasher and washing machine only when fully loaded and use the short-cycle when possible.

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run. Fill a basin of water for washing and then rinse.

• Keep a container of water in the refrigerator so you don’t have to run the water to make it cold.

• Don’t hose off your sidewalk, driveway or patio — sweep them clean.

• When washing your car, put soap and water in a bucket and use the hose only to rinse off.

• Don’t over-water your lawn. Only water every third day and do it before 9:00 am.

• Closely cut grass makes the roots work harder and draw more water. Don’t mow below 3 inches.

• Using a layer of mulch around plants reduces evaporation and the need to water them as frequently.

• Repair all leaky faucets and always turn taps off tightly. A drip of just one drop of water per second wastes 2,700 gallons over the course of a year.