Thursday, April 05, 2007

Tips for Conserving Water at Home

from a brochure produced by American Water Works Association
  • Check your toilet for leaks - and save many gallons of water per day.
  • Time yourself in the shower. A short shower uses less water than a full time, but a long shower uses more water than a partially filled tub. So, take short showers.
  • Don't let the water run when you are shaving or brushing your teeth. I admit! I'm guilty. This is a hard habit to break, but worthwhile as it saves lots and lots of water each year.
  • Only run your dishwasher if it has a full load. Dishwashers use 7-14 gallons of water each time you run them.
  • Same with your washing machine. Washing machines use 40 or more gallons of water each time - so save water and electricity by running it only when it's full (or as near full as you can get it).
  • Check your faucets for leaks too! A slow drip can add up to 15-20 gallons in a day... a small faucet leak can wastes 100 gallons in 24 hours! (If you're on city water, who wants to pay for that?? Even if you're on a well, it adds up in wasted electricity to run the pump.)
  • Of course, with summer almost here - watch your water use outside too. Wash your car on your lawn (use this general cleaner, and you'll condition the soil as well as wash your car); water your plants or grass only when it shows signs of needing it; don't use water to clean off driveways or sidewalks. Use a broom instead.

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