|
JACKMAN UTILITY DISTRICT
Water Saving Tips
Kitchen:
1.
When washing dishes by hand don’t let the water
run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse
water.
2.
Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water
run while you scrape them clean.
3.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only
when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
4.
Designate one glass for your drinking glass
each day. This will cut down on the number of times you run the dishwasher.
5.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every
time.
6.
Wash your produce in a pan that is partially
filled with water instead of running water from the tap.
7.
Keep a pitcher of water in the fridge instead
of running the tap for cold drinks.
8.
Don’t use running water to thaw food.
9.
Select the proper size pan for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water
than may be necessary.
10.
Cook food in as little water as possible. This will also retain more of the
nutrients.
Plant and Yard Care:
11.
Start a compost pile. Using compost when you
plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil, which reduces
evaporation.
12.
Minimize evaporation by watering in the early
morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
13.
Collect the water you use for rinsing produce
and reuse it to water houseplants.
14.
When you’re cleaning your fish tank use the
water you’ve drained on your plants.
The water is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, providing you with a
free and effective fertilizer.
15.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your
driveway or sidewalk.
16.
Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods
to reduce runoff and allow for better adsorption every time you water.
17.
Plant during the spring and fall when watering
requirements are lower.
18.
Use porous material for walkways and patios to
keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
19.
Adjust your lawn mower to a higher
setting. Longer grass shades root
systems and holds soil moisture better then a closely clipped lawn.
20.
Only water your lawn when need. You can tell this by simply waking across
your lawn. If you leave footprints
its time to water.
21.
Direct downspouts and other runoff towards
shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.
22.
Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches
apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
23.
If you accidentally drop ice cubes, don’t throw
them in the sink. Drop them in a houseplant.
24.
When you give your pets fresh water don’t throw the old water down the drain. Use it to
water plants or trees.
Plumbing:
25.
We’re more likely to notice leaky faucets
indoors, but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for
leaks.
26.
Winterize your outdoor spigots when temps dip
below freezing to prevent pipes from bursting.
27.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It’s simple and can save 140 gallons a
week.
28.
Teach your children to turn the faucet off
tightly after each use.
29.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you
have a leak.
30.
Make sure the toilet flapper doesn’t stick open
after flushing.
31.
Install low-volume toilets.
32.
Check your water bill to track water usage.
Laundry:
33.
When shopping for new appliances,
consider one offering cycle and load size adjustment. They are more water and energy efficient.
34.
When doing laundry, match the water level to
the size of the load.
35.
Wash clothes only when you have a full load and
save up to 600 gallons each month.
Bathroom:
36.
Time your shower to keep it under 5
minutes. You’ll save up to 1000
gallons a month.
37.
Bathe your young children together.
38.
If your shower can fill a
one-gallon bucket in less then 20 seconds then replace it with a
water efficient/low flow showerhead.
They can save your family more than 500 gallons a week.
39.
Turn off the water while you brush your teeth
and save 4 gallons a minute.
40.
Drop the tissue in the trash instead of
flushing it and save gallons every time.
41.
Turn off the water while you shave and you can
save 100 gallons a week.
42.
To save water and time, consider washing your
face and brushing your teeth while in the shower.
43.
While staying in a hotel or even at home,
consider reusing your towels.
44.
When washing your hands don’t let the water run
while you lather.
45.
Bath your pets and wash your vehicle outside in
an area that needs watering.
(See www.wateruseitwisely.com for more water saving tips.)
If you have a
question about the Jackman Utility District, please click here to send an
email.
___________________________
If you have questions or comments about any
aspect of the Jackman region web site, click here to send an email
|