WHAT CAN I DO TO CONSERVE?

Equally as important to conserving is to protect our water source,

AT HOME

General

• Leaks are the biggest water wasters.

If you suspect a leak, check pipes, , faucets, toilets, etc. Have repairs made immediately.

• Install water-saving devices such as faucet aerators or displacement devices for toilets.
• Recycle-never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering a plant or garden or cleaning.
• Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Look for appliances with water-saving features when replacing them..
• Teach your children to conserve water. It's easier to start good water-using habits than to break wasteful habits later.

Plants and Shrubs

• Consider alternate landscaping practices-replace turf areas with ground covers.
• Plant drought-resistant plants. Consider water consumption when selecting plants-there are lots of good gardening books available-consult your local library.
• Mulch plants. - you can use leaves, lawn clippings or even strips of plastic!
• Eliminate weeds-they compete with grass and other plant material for water.
• Remember the importance of plant placement. Shade-loving plants will not do well in the sun, and sun-loving plants will not do well in the shade, no matter how much water you give them.
• Plant type and soil conditions play a large role in determining when and how much to water. Different soil types have different water retention capabilities. Ask your local nursery or extension office to recommend low water-using plants and ways to increase your soil's water-holding capacity.
• Form ditches or basins around plants to prevent runoff of water.

Other Outside Uses

• Use a broom to clean the driveway or sidewalk instead of water.
• Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
• Keep the level of water in your pool low to minimize splashing.
• Use a cover to slow evaporation (keeps water cleaner too).
• Recycle wading pool water for plants, shrubs and lawns.

Kitchen

• Thaw frozen food in your refrigerator or microwave, not under running water.
• Use a small dish pan for rinsing or peeling vegetables, etc.
• Scrape dishes but do not pre-rinse. Soak pots and pans before washing.
• Use your garbage disposal sparingly-use a garbage can or compost pile instead.
• Presoak grills, oven parts, etc. overnight. You will use less elbow grease and less water.
• Wash dishes in dishwasher only when you have a full load.
• Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running water to cool it.
• Use cloth instead of paper towels.
• Cook vegetables with a minimum amount of water, and save cooking water for soup stock.
• Make only the amount of coffee, tea, etc. you need.

Bathroom .

• Install conservation devices such as aerators or low-flow showerheads.
• Put waste paper in the waste basket; do not flush it down the toilet.
• Avoid the "running faucet" while shaving, brushing teeth.
• If you have an older home, consider installing a low-flow toilet.
• Take shorter showers. Limit showers to five minutes (or less!).
• Use the minimum amount of water for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Stopper tub before turning on water-the initial burst of cold water can be warmed by adding hot water later.
• Use a water displacement device in the toilet tank.
• Test your toilet for leaks by putting a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If the water in the toilet bowl has turned color, you have a leak. Repair promptly.

Laundry

• Wash clothes in the washing machine only when you have a full load.
• Match the water level to the load size. Presoak heavily soiled items.
• Always use minimum amount of detergent.

AWAY FROM HOME

• Patronize businesses which practice and promote water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve water upon request.
• Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace.
• Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic among children and adults.