ID1920x260 Conservation Rain Barrel
IM768x260 Conservation Rain Barrel

Water Conservation

In the United States, access to clean, safe drinking water is something we largely take for granted. Yet water scarcity is affecting many parts of the country, while demand continues to increase. This is leading to water stress, which you can learn more about on our Environment and News pages.

Water stress makes water conservation at home more important than ever, because the adage “every drop counts”, really is true when millions of our neighbors are experiencing the same thing.

What Can I Do?

All of us can make wise water choices to conserve water (and save money) every day. And once these become habit, they require very little thought or effort. The tips below are a start, and the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WaterSense website has plenty more.

Additionally, periodically checking your home plumbing system for leaks will ensure you’re not simply wasting water. This can potentially save you hundreds of dollars on your annual water bill.

How Do I Measure My Consumption?

The most accurate way to understand your water consumption is by looking at the consumption tables on your water bill or My Utility Account. These will help you track monthly use and compare it to previous periods. Has your water use been increasing? Is this something you can explain, or have household habits changed? Or perhaps you have a leak. There's an easy way to test for leaks in your system using your Water Meter.

Check Your Water Usage in My Utility Account

If you have a digital AMI "Smart Meter" then you have the ability to monitor your hourly, daily, and monthly water use from the My Utility Account portal and mobile app. This technology helps conserve water and makes it easier then ever to check for water leaks.

Watch this video for a step-by-step guide to monitoring your water usage in My Utility Account.

How Does My Household Compare?

Knowing how your water use compares to average consumption is a first step to conserving water and making improvements.

How Much Water Do We Use?

how-we-use-water-pie-chart-waterrf.org

 

According to the Water Research Foundation, the average American family home uses about 300 gallons of water per day. Roughly 70% of that is indoors and 30% outdoors. Naturally, outdoor use varies greatly by region and type of home.

 

Water Smart - Illustrated Tree Green - Pictogram
Using Less Water Outdoors

Check for Leaks

Water Smart - Outdoor Leaking Tap - Pictogram

Outside spigots, hoses, and irrigation systems should be checked regularly for leaks.

Irrigation

Water Smart - Underground Sprinkler - Pictogram

Water lawns only when needed, in the early morning hours, and not on windy days.

Lawns

Water Smart - Lawnmower - Pictogram

Set lawn mower blades higher, as longer grass means less evaporation.

Weeding

Water Smart - Weeding - Pictogram

Weed lawns and gardens regularly as weeds compete with other plants for water.

Efficient Watering

Water Smart - Plant Watering - Pictogram

Water as close to plant roots as possible, and use mulch around trees and plants.

Go Native

Water Smart - Native Plants - Pictogram

Choose native plants or those well-adapted to your climate zone.

Old Tech

Water Smart - Rain Barrel - Pictogram

Collect water in a rain barrel for use on indoor and outdoor plants.

Swimming Pools

Water Smart - Pool Cover - Pictogram

Cover swimming pools when not in use.

Car Washing

Water Smart - Car Washing - Pictogram

Wash cars with a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.

Sweeping Up

Water Smart - Sweeping Broom - Pictogram

Use a broom, rather than a hose, to clean sidewalks and driveways.

Water Smart - Illustrated House Green - Pictogram
Using Less Water Indoors

Check for Leaks

Water Smart - Running Tap - Pictogram

Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets, and replace old fixtures with low-use models.

Shower Habits

Water Smart - Shower Time - Pictogram

Taking even slightly shorter showers can result in big savings over time.

Save it Up

Water Smart - Clothes Washer - Pictogram

Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they’re full.

Kitchen Clean-up

Water Smart - Dish Washing - Pictogram

If washing dishes by hand, use two basins rather than letting the water run.

Defrosting

Water Smart - Microwave Defrosting - Pictogram

Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water.

The 3Ps of Flushing

Water Smart - 3Ps of Flushing Toilet - Pictogram

Never use the toilet as a wastebasket. Remember the 3Ps: Pee, Poo, and Paper (toilet paper that is).