INDOOR/OUTDOOR WATER CONSERVATION TIPS

Indoor General

· Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. Use it to water your indoor plants or garden.

· Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year!

· Check all plumbing for leaks.

· Only run your dishwasher or washing machine for full loads.

Bathroom

· Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow. Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

· Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

· Place a bucket in the shower to catch excess water for watering plants.

· Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects, and other similar waste in the trash rather than the toilet.

· Avoid taking baths - take short showers - turn on water only to get wet and lather and then again to rinse off.

· Avoid letting the water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face, or shaving.

Kitchen

· Hand wash dishes by filling two containers - one with soapy water and the other with rinse water containing a small amount of chlorine bleach.

· Clean vegetables in a pan filled with water rather than running water from the tap.

· Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly).

· Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Do not let the tap run while you are waiting for water to cool.

· Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering or heat it on the stove or in a microwave.

· Avoid using running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave oven.

Outdoor General

· Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.

· Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

· Avoid installing ornamental water features unless they use recycled water.

Car Washing

· Use a shut-off nozzle that can be adjusted down to a fine spray on your hose.

· Park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

Lawn Care

· Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week.

· Water in several short sessions rather than one long one, in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture.

· Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Mist can evaporate before it reaches the lawn.

· Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

· Avoid leaving sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.

(Source: www.fema.gov)