Water Conservation

Water Efficiency at Home

The national average cost of water is $2.00 per 1,000 gallons. The average American family spends about $474 each year on water and sewage charges. American households spend an additional $230 per year on water heating costs

Water efficiency is a major element of a water conservation program. There are major economic, environmental and health benefits to efficient use of water. Use of efficient products along with a "smart" use of water can aid a draught mitigation effort. For the homeowner, efficient water use can save money on both water and energy bills. Below is a brief list of some steps that may help homeowners - there are plenty more!

Home Water Conservation
Location	Efficiency Idea
Bathroom Water Conservation	Turn off water when shaving.
	Turn off water when brushing teeth.
	Take short showers instead of tub baths.
	Turn off the water while soaping.
	Turn off the water while shampooing.
	If tub bathing, close the drain before turning on the water.
	Fill the tub only half full.
	Bathe small children together.
	The toilet is not a waste basket.
	Place plastic bottles or water dams in toilet reservoir,
Kitchen Water Conservation	Keep drinking water in the refrigerator.
	Wash fruits and vegetables in a basin.
	Use a vegetable brush.
	Do not use water to defrost frozen foods.
	Scrape, rather than rinse dishes.
	Run dishwasher only for full loads.
	Use compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.
Laundry Water Conservation	Wash only full loads of laundry.
	Use the appropriate water level for load size.
Household Equipment Water Conservation t	Install low-flow faucet aerators.
	Install low-flow and showerheads.
	Purchase a high efficiency washing machine.
	Repair all leaks, especially toilets.
Landscape Irrigation Water Conservation	Use properly treated wastewater where available.
	Water during the coolest part of the day.
	Do not water on windy days.
	Do not sprinkle the street or sidewalk.
	Use soaker hoses or trickle irrigation systems.
	Install moisture sensors on systems.
	Use mulch around shrubs and garden plants - reduces evaporation
	Allow longer grass blades- reduces evaporation.
Outdoor Water Conservation	Sweep not water driveways and sidewalks.
	Wash the car with water from a bucket.
	Control the hose, flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
	Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation.
	Use recycled water for ornamental water features.