Water Conservation Tips


Over irrigation or accidental water usage can be costly.  Residents should monitor their water usage to prevent high water bills.  Below are just a few simple and relatively inexpensive steps to conserve water and save your household money.

In the Home:

  • Check faucets and pipes for leaks:  A small drip from a worn faucet washer can waste 20 gallons of water per day. Larger leaks can waste hundreds of gallons.

  • Check your toilets for leaks:  Put a little food coloring in your toilet tank. If, without flushing, the color begins to appear in the bowl within 30 minutes, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.

  • Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks:  Read the house 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 is a leak.

  • Install water-saving shower heads and low-flow faucet aerators.

  • Take shorter showers:  One way to cut down on water use is to turn off the shower after soaping up, then turn it back on to rinse.  A four-minute shower uses approximately 20 to 40 gallons of water.

  • Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads:  Automatic dishwashers and clothes washers should be fully loaded for optimum water conservation.

In the Yard & Garden:

  • Plant drought-resistant lawns, shrubs and plants:  Many beautiful shrubs 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 while discouraging weed growth.

  • 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, the lawn is ready for watering. Letting the grass grow taller (to 3") will also promote water retention in the soil.