Here are some money saving tips as provided by my local utilities company:
INSIDE WATER SAVING TIPS
- Check all toilets for leaks. Leaks into the overflow pipe and through the flush valve are the most common and wasteful.
- Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers.
- Don't let water run continuously while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the basin.
- Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and other such waste in the trash rather than the toilet.
- Install energy efficient shower heads. You will save on energy, water and sewer bills if the new shower head reduces the flow to less than two gallons per minute.
- Install aerators with flow restrictors on faucets. New replacement faucets should have aerators and flow restrictors built-in.
- Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded or properly set the water level for the size of the load you are washing.
- Hand wash dishes wisely. Wash dishes in soapy water in one sink and rinse in clear water in the other sink.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator rather than letting the tap run every time you want a cool glass of water.
- Insulate water pipes. You will get hot water faster plus avoid wasting water while it heats up.
- Don't over water your lawn. Generally, lawns only need watering every 5 to 7 days in the summer and every 10 to 14 days in the winter.
- Water lawns during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest. This reduces loss from evaporation.
- Position sprinklers so that the water lands on the lawn and shrubs, not on the street, driveway or sidewalk.
- Install sprinklers that are the most water-efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of water-efficient methods of irrigation.
- Regularly check sprinkler systems and timing devices to be sure they are operating properly.
- Avoid overfertilizing the lawn. The application of fertilizers increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.
- Mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulching also helps to control weeds that compete with plants for water.
- Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches. A lawn cut higher encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
- Use a broom to clean driveway or sidewalks. Using a hose to clean a driveway can waste hundreds of gallons of water.
- Outfit the hose with a shut-off nozzle which can be adjusted down to a fine spray so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks.
- Use hose washers between spigots and water hoses to avoid leaks.
- Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended.
- Check all hoses, connectors and spigots regularly
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