Conserving Water Indoors

Water - Use it Wisely Campaign

• Visit www.wateruseitwisely.com for more info
• Water Saving Devices (PDF)

DID YOU KNOW? Automatic dishwashers use about 15 gallons of water per load.

In the Kitchen

• Keep a container of water in the refrigerator to avoid running water for a cold drink.
• Avoid running water to thaw food.
• Run the dishwasher only when you have a full load.
• If washing dishes by hand, don't let water run continuously for rinsing.
• Use a bowl of water to clean and prepare vegetables, rather than letting the faucet run.
• Use your garbage disposal less often and compost instead.
• Repair dripping faucets.

DID YOU KNOW? Automatic dishwashers use about 15 gallons of water per load.

In the Laundry

• When doing laundry, use the right water level to match the size of the load. Otherwise, wash only full loads.
• Check hose connections for leaks.

DID YOU KNOW? Each load of laundry normally requires 50 gallons or more of water.

In the Bathroom

• Replace the parts inside your toilet tanks every few years. Internal toilet parts, like tires on a car, wear out over time and need to be replaced.
• Test for toilet leaks.
• Install water saving low-flow showerheads.
• Don't use the toilet to dispose of tissues or other trash.
• When replacing fixtures, install water saving models.
• Consider showering since a bathtub filled half full holds about 50 gallons of water.
• Limit the length of showers to two or three minutes.
• Avoid letting the water run while shaving, brushing your teeth, and washing your face.
• Turn faucets off tightly after use.

DID YOU KNOW? Leaking toilets can send over 1,000 gallons of water down the drain in a single day.

Every flush uses 3�-7 gallons of water.

An unrestricted showerhead runs at 5 to 10 gallons a minute.

Save Water on the Lawn

• Avoid excessive watering.
• Measure the amount of time it takes your sprinkler to deliver one (1) inch of water, and do not exceed the total time for the week.
• Use short cycles (5 minutes) at least an hour apart to reduce runoff.
• Reduce evaporation by watering in the evening or early in the morning.
• Set sprinklers carefully to avoid watering paved areas.
• Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist, which increases evaporation.
• Aerate the soil in the spring and fall to reduce runoff.
• Keep the grass 2-3" long to enhance root development with minimal watering.

Landscape Wisely

• Minimize grassy areas, which require the most water.
• Plant water efficient grasses, plants, trees, and shrubs.
• Use mulch to help the soil retain moisture and to reduce the growth of weeds.
• Use drip irrigation to water plants, trees, and shrubs.
• Plant in the spring or fall, when watering requirements are lower.

Other Outdoor Tips

• Shut off and drain the water lines to outside spigots in the winter. This prevents freezing temperatures from causing expensive leaks.
• If you have an automatic sprinkler system, inspect it regularly for leaks and malfunctioning parts.
• Avoid using the hose to clean areas that could be swept with a broom.
• When washing vehicles, run the water only to wet and rinse. Use a container to hold the water used for washing.
• Check pipes, hoses, valves and faucets for leaks.

Wiser Ways to Water

• Don't mow the lawn unless rain is ready to fall. Mowing injures the grass, which then uses its precious reserves of water to recover.
• Reuse water that was used to wash dishes or vegetables to water ornamental plants (not food crops). The soap in water actually improves penetration into the soil.
• Water garden plants to the depth of the roots, but not with a sprinkler. Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, tree bags, milk jugs, or a leaking bucket.
• Well prepared soil can make all the difference. Prepare any planting site with organic matter, or mulch, and plants will survive a drought on their own.

* Suggested by Andrew Gerachis, Loudoun County horticultural extension agent.

Reprinted from July 21, 1999 issue Loudoun Times Mirror

Links for more water-saving ideas.
http://www.co.loudoun.va.us/index.htm
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com
http://www.waterwiser.org

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