Water Conservation Tips

Water conservation should be a year round practice. Everyone can reduce their water consumption and be water smart by taking these simple steps.

Lawns & Landscaping

Detect and repair all leaks in hoses and irrigation systems.
Water the lawn or garden during the coolest part of the day.
Do not water on windy days.
Install moisture sensors on sprinkler systems.
Set sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only - not the street or sidewalk.
Water trees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants which require smaller amounts of water more often.
Use soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.
Minimize turf areas and use native grasses.
Use native plants in your landscape - they require less care and water than ornamental varieties.
Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth.
Raise your lawn mower cutting height since longer grass blades help shade each other, cut down on evaporation and inhibit weed growth.
Minimize or eliminate fertilizing, which requires additional watering, and promotes new growth that will also need additional watering.

Sweep driveways, sidewalks and steps rather than hosing off.
When using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Avoid purchasing recreational water toys, which require a constant stream of water.
If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter.
Lower pool water level to reduce amount of water splashed out.
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation when pool is not being used.

Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full. Bathe small children together.
Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it - such as watering a plant or garden.
A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If you see the same coloring in the bowl, it is leaking.
Never use your toilet as a wastebasket.
Install ultra-low flow toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water or gravel in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with operation of the toilet's flush mechanisms.
Install low-flow aerators and shower heads.