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WATER SAVING TIPS |
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| ... Inside the Home | ... Outside the Home | ... For or Kids |
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Because of state-wide population growth and global climate changes, the demand for water has never been greater, and yet there is no way to make more rain fall to supply us with what we need. We will all have to change our habits to ensure that we have sufficient water for the future.
Water conservation doesn't mean big sacrifices - just a few small changes every day can add up to big savings over a year. |
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Saving Water Inside the Home ... |
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| Kitchen and Laundry |
- When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain.
Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
- If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink.
Drop them in a house plant instead.
- Tap aerator devices are inexpensive and can reduce water flow by 50%.
Talk to your plumber about other ways to slow the flow from taps
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
- Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
- Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. Faucet repair can save up to 300 gallons a month.
- Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
- Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
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| Bathroom |
- When washing dishes by hand, don't let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Turn off the water while you shave. Save up to 300 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Save 25 gallons a month.
- Turn off the water while you wash your hair. Save up to 150 gallons a month.
- To save water and time, consider washing your face while in the shower.
- Use a water-efficient showerhead. They're inexpensive, easy to install. Save you up to 750 gallons a month.
- While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels for several days.
- When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.
- Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
- Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
- Shorten your shower by a minute or two. Save up to 150 gallons per month.
- When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
- If you want a long soak - take a bath, it can be relaxing and uses less water than a long shower (10 min. +)
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Saving Water Outside the Home ... |
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| In the Garden |
- Choose shrubs and groundcovers, instead of turf, for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
- Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
- For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
- If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
- Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather run off the surface.
- Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
- Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
- Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation. On windy days, wait till it calms down before watering.
- Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
- Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist 2 inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
- When you have ice left in your cup from a fast food restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, pour it on a plant.
- When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
- When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
- Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk . Save 150 gallons of water every time.
- Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation, than those spraying water into the air.
- Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. Save up to 100 gallons every time. Better yet - go to a commercial car wash where they recycle the water. By doing this, you will also keep chemicals and detergents from entering the S.F. Bay via the storm drain system.
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