1. Never put water down the drain when there may be another use for it; such as water a plant or garden, or cleaning.
   
2. Verify that your home is leak-free, because many homes have hidden water leaks. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter does not read exactly to same, there is a leak
   
3. Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. If your faucet is dripping at the rate of one drop per second, you can expect to waste 2,700 gallons of water per year, which will add to the cost of your water and sewer utilities, or strain your septic system.
   
4. Check for toilet tank leaks by adding food coloring to the tank. If the toilet is leaking, color will appear within 30 minutes. Check the toilet for worn out, corroded, or bent parts. Most replacement parts are inexpensive, readily available and easily installed. (Flush as soon as test is complete since the food coloring may stain the tank.)
   
5. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
   
6. Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flushing. Be sure installation does not interfere with operating parts. When purchasing new or replacement toilets, consider low-volume units which use less than half the water to older models. In many areas, low-volue units are required by law.
   
7. Take shorter showers. Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version. Some units are available that allow you to cut off the flow without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
   
8. Use the minimum amount of water needed for a bath by closing the drain first and filling the tub only 1/3 full. Stopper tub before turning on water. The intial burst of cold water will be warmed by adding hot water later.
   
9. Do not let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
   
10. Retrofit all wasteful household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.
    
11. Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded to properly set the water for the size of load you are using.
    
12. When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water. Quickly rinse under a slow-moving stream from the faucet.
    
13. Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
    
14. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods.
    
15. Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing food waste instead of using a garbage disposal. Garbage disposals also can add 50% to the volume of solids in a septic tank which can lead to malfunctions and maintenance problems.
    
16. Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you do not have to let the water run while it heats up. This will reduce heating costs for your household.
    
17. Insulate your water pipes. You will get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
    
18. Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. Your garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Also, don’t leave the sprinkler running all day. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to "Turn it Off".
    
19. Check all hoses, connectors, and spigots regularly
    
20. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass to do so.
    
21. Avoid the installation of ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless the water is recycled. Locate where there are minimal losses due to evaporation and wind drift.
    
22. If you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter, uses from 180 to 250 gallons or more of water.
    

Click here to visit the Environmental Services Water Conservation web page.

Click here to visit the Environmental Services Business Office web page.