Water Conservation - Every Drop Counts, Water
Saving Tips At Home
Did you know that we use about 77 gallons of water each
day per person? A few simple changes can make a big
difference.
- Repair leaks – Dripping faucets and leaky
toilets can waste over 2,000 gallons of water each year.
- Replace old showerheads – Low flow showerheads
can save 3 gallons per minute.
- Run full loads – Running laundry machines and
dishwashers when full instead of multiple smaller loads.
- Consider water efficiency – When purchasing
new laundry machines or dishwashers, consider water
efficient models. They use up to 40% less water per
year.
- Turn off water – When brushing your teeth or
shaving, turn the water off in the sink.
- Timing is everything – Water your lawn between
9:00pm and 6:00am, not during peak hours.
- Avoid over watering – According to Michigan
State University, turf grass should only be watered 1 to
1.5 inches per week. Approximately 5 minutes of watering
is recommended for mist head sprinkler systems, and 8 to
10 minutes for rotary head systems.
- Check your sprinkler heads – Have your lawn
care provider perform an inventory on all sprinkler
heads. Are they all working properly? Are any heads
broken?
- Improve your aim – Adjust your sprinkler heads
to water only your plants and lawn - not your driveway,
sidewalk, or street.
- Mow high – Make your lawn cheaper and easier
to maintain by mowing high; 3 inches is recommended.
Longer grass has deeper roots and requires less water.
- Put rainwater to work – Collect rain water in
a rain barrel and use it to water your plants.
- Sweep it – Use a broom, rather than a hose to
clean sidewalks, decks, and driveways. You’ll save water
and keep unwanted pollutants out of storm drains.
- Use mulch – Place a thick layer of mulch
around trees and plants. This helps retain water, reduce
weeds, and minimize the need for pesticides.
- Cover pools and hot tubs – An average
uncovered pool loses about an inch of water a week due
to evaporation. Fill pools and hot tubs during the night
hours or slowly over a few days.
Every Drop Counts: Water Saving Tips for Commercial
Buildings
- Install signs – Encourage water conservation
in employee restrooms by installing signs.
- Repair leaks – Check faucets and leaky toilets
for leaks. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000
gallons of water each year; leaky toilets can waste
approximately 200 gallons of water each day.
- Use water efficient models – Purchase water
efficient toilets and faucets.
- Reduce the load – Shut off air conditioning
units when and where it is not needed.
- Improve your aim – Adjust your sprinkler heads
to water only your plants and lawn - not your driveway,
sidewalk, or street.
- Mow high – Make your lawn cheaper and easier
to maintain by mowing high; 3 inches is recommended.
Longer grass has deeper roots and requires less water.
- Check your sprinkler heads – Have your lawn
care provider perform an inventory on all sprinkler
heads. Are they all working properly? Are any heads
broken? Set your automatic timers accordingly. Consider
installing rain sensors to your irrigation system.
- Sweep it – Use a broom, rather than a hose to
clean sidewalks, decks, and driveways. You’ll save water
and keep unwanted pollutants out of storm drains.
- Put your rainwater to work – Direct downspouts
toward your plants and green areas.
- Use mulch – Place a thick layer of mulch
around trees and plants. This helps retain water, reduce
weeds, and minimize the need for pesticides.
Helpful web links:
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