Wise use of water is an important activity we all need to practice regularly and will help to manage your water bill. Water sources are precious and vital to the heart of our community along with the well-being of our future. Below are some simple things you can do to conserve water and reduce your water bill.
Saving Water Indoors
- Shower instead of bathing; it saves on average 20 gallons of water per shower.
- Run dishwashers only when they are completely full.
- Wait until you have a full load of laundry before washing.
- Check for leaky faucets regularly and fix them as soon as possible.
- Turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth and shaving.
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run constantly; fill up the sink instead.
Saving Your Water Outdoors
- Water your plants only as they need it; don’t follow a fixed watering schedule.
- Clean driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose.
- Water your lawn before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and avoid doing so all together during seasons of drought or windy days.
- Avoid lawn sprinklers that spray a heavy mist; the water evaporates quickly.
- Water your lawn in short sessions (approximately 15 minutes); this allows the ground to absorb it better.
- Keep your grass above two inches; the shade from slightly taller grass allows for better water retention.
- Turn off and drain water spigots in the winter to prevent leaks from developing.
Before Winter Arrives
- Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl space and attic. Exposed pipes in these areas are more susceptible to freezing.
- Close any openings with insulation or caulk that allow cold air to come in contact with the pipes. You can find air leaks particularly where there are vents, electric wiring and pipes.
- Heat tape can be used to further insulate pipes. Closely follow all manufacturers’ instructions if you plan to install the tape yourself. Otherwise, contact a licensed plumber to install it professionally.
- Disconnect any garden hoses. If possible, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
Know Your Responsibilty
To learn what areas of the water line are your responsibility versus the water district’s see the picture below.
