How can I save
water?
At the heart of the Water Smart Program
is taking personal responsibility for water
conservation. Take a look at these common
sense tips and see how easy it is to be part
of the Water Smart team. Inside the
Home
- Wash only full loads of clothes and
dishes
- Never leave water running while
brushing your teeth
- Repair leaky fixtures such as
faucets and toilets
Outside the Home
- Water plants and yard only when
necessary. Comply with designated
rationing schedule if one is in
effect.
- Never water or use sprinklers
during the heat of the day
- Introduce native plants to your
property and use Xeriscape methods.
- Postpone washing your vehicle.
If feasible, wash the vehicle on
your lawn, not in the driveway where
the runoff will be lost to the
sewer.
CONSERVATION IN
THE HOME
START IN THE BATHROOM
Did you know that about 75% of
water used in the home is used in
the bathroom? Look for ways to save
water whenever possible. You'll help
Texas and reduce your water bill as
well.
Bathing: Take a shower instead of
a bath to save water. A short shower
uses less water than a long one. A
low-flow showerhead will save as
much as 50% of the amount of water
currently used, while still
providing a refreshing, cleansing
shower.
Installing a low-flow showerhead is
the single most effective
conservation step that can be taken
inside the home.
Toilet: Standard toilets
manufactured prior to the 1980s
usually require 5-7 gallons per
flush.
Toilets sold during the ‘80s and
early ‘90s use 3.5 gallons per
flush.
The greatest savings come from
replacing your toilet with a 1.6
gallon model. Since 1992 in Texas
and 1994 nationally, new toilets
must use 1.6 gallons or less per
flush.
Do not use a brick in your toilet
tank. The brick will crumble and can
damage the fixture.
Lavatory: Change your habits!
Don't let water run continuously
while brushing your teeth, shaving
or washing your hands. Additionally,
a low-flow faucet aerator can save
up to 50% of the water currently
used in the lavatory.
ON TO THE
KITCHEN FOR MORE SAVINGS...
About 8% of in-home water use
takes place in the kitchen.
And now for the Kitchen Sink
-
- Run water only when
necessary
- Fill the basin or a dish pan
to rinse dishes instead of using
running water.
- Soak pots and pans before
washing.
- Fill the basin or a pan with
water to wash fruits and
vegetables.
- Keep a pitcher of water in
the fridge rather than running
tap water until it is cold
enough to drink.
- Operate the garbage disposal
only when necessary.
DISHWASHER TIPS
- Wash only full loads.
- When you need to buy a new
machine, take a look at the
water saving models. Newer
models can cut water use by 25%
and generally are no more
expensive than non-conserving
models.
ALL AROUND THE HOUSE
- Washing machines: Doing the
laundry requires about 14% of
water used inside the home.
- Conserve by adjusting the
water level to match the size of
your loads.
- Wash only full loads.
Pipes: Insulate hot water
pipes where possible to avoid long
delays and wasted water while
waiting for the water to "run hot."
Water Heater: Check the
thermostat. Don't have your water
heater thermostat set too high.
Settings higher than 125 degrees
waste energy since the water has to
be mixed with cold water before use.
AND MOST IMPORTANT -
FIX THOSE
LEAKS!
- Leaks can account for 10% or
more of the water bill. Leaks
waste both water and energy.
- Need proof? A toilet with a
silent leak of one cup of water
a minute - a mere dribble -
wastes about 2,700 GALLONS OF
WATER A MONTH. That's not just
water down the drain, that's
dollars down the drain. Your
dollars.
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