Summer
Water Conservation Tips
Water usage increases dramatically during summer’s dry weather when lawn-sprinkling demand occurs. To ensure that outdoor watering is effective and efficient, lawn sprinkling is regulated by City Code, Section 13.16.205. Other things you can do to conserve water and save money are:
- Verify your home is free of 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 the same, there may be a leak.
- Have all leaks repaired as soon as possible. A faucet dripping at the rate of one drop per second will waste 2,700 gallons per year.
- When washing your car, use a hose with a shut-off nozzle. If possible, wash your car on the grass instead of the driveway.
- Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don’t have to let the water run while it heats up.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t run the tap run while you are waiting for cool water to flow.
- Do only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine.
- Use an automatic sprinkler system with a timer.
- Use ground covers and mulches around plants.
- Don’t use the toilet as a wastebasket.
- Take short showers
- Brush your teeth and shave with the tap off.
- Cover swimming pools when not in use.
- Don’t let water run while washing dishes—fill the sink instead.
- Leave grass tall (2”-4”), as taller grass helps retain moisture in the soil.
- Look for landscaping plants that don’t need much water.
For more tips, visit the Water—Use it Wisely web site.
