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Water
Conservation
In today's environment of water shortages and conservation, everyone can
take a few steps in conserving water. Some of the steps one can
take are listed below:
Check for Leaks
Leaks are a common problem, but an undetected leak can cost many dollars
and waste hundreds of
gallons a day. One of the main culprits of leaks
is the toilet because the toilet is not set properly or
the parts are
worn. Any time you hear sounds of running water coming from the toilet,
this is a sign of
a possible leak.
Practice Water Conservation for the Garden
Since over half of your water bill can be attributed to watering lawns,
flowers, and gardens, a few
simple steps can be taken to reduce
consumption by about 25% without destroying ones lawn,
flowers and
gardens. The steps are as follows:
By planting warm weather tolerant grass and other plants such as St.
Augustine and Bermuda, one
can reduce water usage while still
maintaining a beautiful lawn. Check your local nursery for
additional
varieties.
Adjust watering schedules towards maintaining lawn by its appearance
instead of a set schedule.
Modify automatic water sprinklers after
rain fall. Water when beginning to wilt.
When watering does occur, water a few inches when the ground is coolest.
Make sure watering is focused on the plants and lawn and not streets or
the house.
When watering lawns and gardens, water on a time schedule. Use
household timers if an automatic
sprinkler system is not affordable.
Practice Household Conservation
Wash only full washing machine loads which can use over 20 gallons of
water per use. Purchase
water saving machines or front load machines,
which use less water. Refer to owner's manual for a
machines water
usage.
Run only full dishwasher loads without extra cycles. Hand washing
dishes by filling the sink will use
less water as long as the faucet
does not continuously run. A running faucet can deliver 5 gallons per
minute.
Purchase low water usage appliances, faucets, toilets, and nozzles to
control water flow.
Repair all leaks or drips immediately
Use buckets of water and hoses with nozzles instead of a running hose.
Never wash down sidewalks, driveways, or patios with water, instead use
a blower or broom.
Drought Contingency Plan
In cases of drought, periods of abnormally
high usage, other other temporary restrictions, a system may be required
to limit non-essential water usage. The purpose of the Drought
Contingency Plan is to encourage customer conservation in order to
maintain supply, storage, or pressure or to comply with the requirements
of a court, government agency or other authority. In the Drought
Contingency Plan Summary, the various stages are listed along with the
restrictions per stage.
Drought
Contingency Plan Summary.pdf
Quick Steps to Follow
1. Sweep away,
dont use water
2. Slow flow with water-saving devices
3. Take quick showers
4. Keep water in refrigerator
5. Water lawn, not pavement
6. Flush when necessary
7. Wash full loads only
8. Use mulch
9. Save rainwater for use
10. Insulate hot water heaters and pipes
11. Fix all leaks |