Water Conservation Tips

With prices increasing everywhere, it is very important that we do all we can to conserve our water. This not only cuts down on water usage, but sewer usage as well.  

Please see our list of tips so that we can all work together to cut costs and conserve water for the environment:

  • Repair any leaks right away. A simple toilet leak can waste up to 200 gallons a day. A leaky faucet can waste up to 11 gallons a day. 
  • Only run the dishwasher or washing machine when you have a full load.
  • Do not run water continuously when cleaning vegetables or washing dishes.
  • Do not keep the water running while brushing your teeth. You could save up to 10 gallons of water a day per family.
  • Install new toilets with flow rates of 1.28 or 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf).
  • Install WaterSense labeled urinals flushing at 0.5 gpf or less.
  • Install WaterSense labeled showerheads flowing at 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) or less.
  • Take showers rather than baths and keep them short.
  • Water the lawn in the early morning or evening to avoid evaporation. Planting native and drought-tolerant plant species minimizes the need for supplemental irrigation. Landscape water use can also be reduced 10 to 20 percent by having an irrigation water audit. WaterSense labeled weather-based irrigation controllers or soil moisture sensors are used to water only when plants need it.
  • Keep grass at least two inches high to shade roots, reducing evaporation.
  • Do not run the tap to get cold water. Instead keep a bottle in the refrigerator. 
  • Insulate your water heater and pipes.
  • Water trees slowly, deeply and infrequently to encourage deep rooting.
  • Use a sponge and a bucket of water to wash the car.   
  • Outside spigots are sometimes left on. Make it a practice to check the spigots before you come in for the night.

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One way to check your toilets for leaks is to administer a couple drops of food coloring to the tank on the back - be sure it is a bright color that will not blend in with any disinfectant. Let that sit overnight without flushing. Check the toilet bowl in the morning. Any color in the bowl indicates a leak.

Over time, underground pipes can deteriorate and fittings can become loose or fail. Ground water and storm water gets into the system which adds unnecessary gallonage that is being treated, the more treatment needed the higher the costs. That could turn into an increase of our sewer rate. We suggest having a smoke or dye test performed on your sewer system. That will show any leaks that is seeping out into the main sewer line.

Suspended solids (fats, oils, and grease) are measured and charged accordingly through the counties that service us. Be mindful of what you pour down your drains. Keeping that solid level down can make a substantial impact in the decision to raise the sewer rates. Please see Keep FOG out of your kitchen pipes for any further information.

Call the Utilities Department with any questions at (330) 633-0851.