Fresh, clean drinking water is yours to use whenever you need it.  But not to waste.  It's too valuable.

The following tips can save thousands of gallons of water in your household.  That's right thousands!  A little effort and a little common sense will make a big difference.

IN THE BATHROOM............

Check your toilet for leaks.
     Leaks occur when the toilet is out of adjustment or when parts are worn, so it is important to check periodically. You can get leak detection strips at the Authority office free of charge. Most toilet repairs are relatively simple, but, if you're not up to the task, call a plumber.

Every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash, you waste five to seven gallons of water.

Take shorter showers. Long, hot showers can waste five to ten gallons every unneeded minute. Limit your showers to the time it takes to soap up, wash down and rinse off.

Install water-saving shower heads or flow restrictors.

Take baths. A bath in a partially filled tub uses less water than all but the shortest showers.

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth.

Rinse your razor in the sink.

Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even the smallest drip from a worn washer can waste twenty or more gallons a day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds.

IN THE KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY............

Use your dishwasher only for full loads.

Use your washing machine only for full loads.

If you wash dishes by hand, don't leave the water running for rinsing.

Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables.

Keep a bottle of drinking water in the refrigerator.

Check faucets and pipes for leaks.

IN THE GARDEN............


  Water your lawn only when it needs it.
A good way to see if your lawn needs watering is to step on the grass. If it springs back up when you move, it doesn't need water. If it stays flat, fetch the sprinkler.

Deep-soak your lawn.
When you do water, do it long enough for the moisture to soak down to the roots where it will do the most good. A light sprinkling can evaporate quickly and tends to encourage shallow root systems.

Water during the cool parts of the day.
Early morning generally is better than dusk since it helps prevent growth of fungus.

Don't water the sidewalk.
Position your sprinklers so water lands on the lawn or garden, not on paved areas. Also avoid watering on windy days.

Plant drought-resistant trees and plants.
Many beautiful trees and plants thrive with far less watering than other species.

Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants.
Mulch will slow evaporation of moisture and discourage weed growth also.

Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and walks.

Don't run the hose while washing your car.

Tell your children not to play with the hose and sprinklers.

Check for leaks in pipes, hoses, faucets and couplings.
Leaks outside the house may not seem as bad since they're not as visible.  But they can be just as wasteful as leaks inside.  Check frequently and keep them drip-free.