11/08/2011
Water Conservation Basics
Almost three-quarters of water used inside the home occurs in the bathroom, with 41 percent used for toilet flushing and 33 percent for bathing. The remainder of indoor water use is divided between clothes washing and kitchen use, including dish washing, according to the U.S. EPA.
Indoor General
Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it such as watering your indoor plants or garden.
Repair dripping faucets and toilets. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.
Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
Choose appliances that are water and energy-efficient.
Don’t run a faucet when you’re not using the water, such as while brushing your teeth.
Outdoor General
Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you could have a leak.
Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground cover, shrubs, and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period.
Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.
Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil.
Avoid buying recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
