Conserve Water

Over 50% of residential water use occurs outdoors- so this is a great place to start conserving water...

• Replace turf with native drought tolerant vegetation
• Group plants according to their water needs
• Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
• Raise your lawnmower blade (never cut more than the top 1/3)
• Collect rainwater in rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation uses
  
  If you MUST water:
  
• Only water when plants show signs of stress (folded leaves)
• Use micro irrigation instead of sprinklers and hoses
• Install a rain shutoff device to automatic sprinklers
• Water in the early morning
• Make sure your watering system is operating properly and not leaking

Fixing leaks and replacing old plumbing fixtures indoors with water saving ones can save a family of four up to 30,000 gallons of water each year!

• Find out if you have a leak by monitoring your meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used
• Repair dripping faucets and toilets
• Run automatic dishwashers only when they are full
• Collect soapy water in the sink to wash dishes, instead of letting the water run
• Set your clothes washer to the appropriate water level for the size of the load you are washing
• Keep your showers under 5 minutes and install a low flow shower head