Tuesday, May 3, 2011

100 Ways To Conserve


There are a number of ways to save water, and they all start with you.
  • #2 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.
  • #3 Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.
  • #4 Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  • #5Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • #6 Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.
  • #7 Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
  • #8 Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
  • #9 Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
  • #11 Monitor your water bill for unusually high use. Your bill and water meter are tools that can help you discover leaks.
  • #12 Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
  • #13 Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
  • #14 Spreading a layer of organic mulch around plants retains moisture and saves water, time and money.
  • #15Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
  • #16 If your shower fills a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, replace the showerhead with a water-efficient model.
  • #17 Collect the water you use for rinsing fruits and vegetables, then reuse it to water houseplants.
  • #18 If water runs off your lawn easily, split your watering time into shorter periods to allow for better absorption.
  • #19 We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
  • #20 If you have an automatic refilling device, check your pool periodically for leaks.
  • #21 Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
  • #22 When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They're more water and energy efficient.
  • #23Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you'll save up to 150 gallons per month.
  • #24 Upgrade older toilets with water efficient models.
  • #25 Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. A taller lawn shades roots and holds soil moisture better than if it is closely clipped.
  • #26 When cleaning out fish tanks, give the nutrient-rich water to your plants.
  • #27 Use sprinklers for large areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
Put food coloring in your toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl without flushing, you have a leak. Fixing it can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.
  • #29 When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
  • #30 Walkways and patios provide space that doesn't ever need to be watered. These useful "rooms" can also add value to your property.
  • #31 Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
  • #32 Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.
  • #33 Rather than following a set watering schedule, check for soil moisture two to three inches below the surface before watering.
  • #34 Install a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won't run when it's raining.
  • #35Don't use running water to thaw food. Defrost food in the refrigerator for water efficiency and food safety.
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
  • #37 Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It's simple, inexpensive, and you can save 140 gallons a week.
  • #38 Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard by planting shrubs and ground covers appropriate to your site and region.
  • #39 When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
  • #40 Teach your children to turn off faucets tightly after each use.
  • #41 Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the sprinkler heads in good shape.
  • #43 Soak pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
  • #44Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
  • #45 Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
  • #46 Know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save water and prevent damage to your home.
  • #47 To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
  • #48 Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others.
  • #49 Use a layer of organic material on the surface of your planting beds to minimize weed growth that competes for water.
  • #50 Use a minimum amount of organic or slow release fertilizer to promote a healthy and drought tolerant landscape.
  • #51 Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation than those spraying water into the air.
  • #52 Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • #53 Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
  • #54Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.
  • #55 Use a rain gauge, or empty tuna can, to track rainfall on your lawn. Then reduce your watering accordingly.
  • #56 Encourage your school system and local government to develop and promote water conservation among children and adults.
  • #57 Learn how to shut off your automatic watering system in case it malfunctions or you get an unexpected rain.
  • #58Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden to remind you when to stop. A running hose can discharge up to 10 gallons a minute.
  • #59 If your toilet flapper doesn't close after flushing, replace it.
  • #60 Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
  • #62 Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don't have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
  • #63 Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later to see if you have a leak.
  • #64 If your dishwasher is new, cut back on rinsing. Newer models clean more thoroughly than older ones.
  • #65Use a trowel, shovel, or soil probe to examine soil moisture depth. If the top two to three inches of soil are dry it's time to water.
  • #66 If installing a lawn, select a turf mix or blend that matches your climate and site conditions.
  • #67 When you save water, you save money on your utility bills too. Saving water is easy for everyone to do.
  • #68 When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
  • #69 Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
  • #70 Bathe your young children together.
  • #71 Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
  • #72 Winterize outdoor spigots when temperatures dip below freezing to prevent pipes from leaking or bursting.
  • #73 Insulate hot water pipes for more immediate hot water at the faucet and for energy savings.
  • #74 Wash your car on the lawn, and you'll water your lawn at the same time.
Drop your tissue in the trash instead of flushing it and save water every time.
  • #76 Direct water from rain gutters and HVAC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape for automatic water savings.
  • #77 Make suggestions to your employer about ways to save water and money at work.
  • #78 Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
  • #79Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car. You'll save up to 100 gallons every time.
  • #80 Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
  • #81 If your toilet was installed before 1992, reduce the amount of water used for each flush by inserting a displacement device in the tank.
  • #82 Setting cooling systems and water softeners for a minimum number of refills saves both water and chemicals, plus more on utility bills.
  • #83Washing dark clothes in cold water saves both on water and energy while it helps your clothes to keep their colors.
  • #84 Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
  • #85 Report broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water provider.
  • #86 Let your lawn go dormant during the summer. Dormant grass only needs to be watered every three weeks or less if it rains.
  • #87 Plant with finished compost to add water-holding and nutrient-rich organic matter to the soil.
  • #88 Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
  • #89 Listen for dripping faucets and running toilets. Fixing a leak can save 300 gallons a month or more.
  • #90 Water only when necessary. More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering.
  • #91 One more way to get eight glasses of water a day is to re-use the water left over from cooked or steamed foods to start a scrumptious and nutritious soup.
Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
  • #93 Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.
  • #94 Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
  • #95 When shopping for a new clothes washer, compare resource savings among Energy Star models. Some of these can save up to 20 gallons per load, and energy too.
  • #96 Apply water only as fast as the soil can absorb it.
  • #97 Aerate your lawn at least once a year so water can reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
  • #98 When washing dishes by hand, fill the sink basin or a large container and rinse when all of the dishes have been soaped and scrubbed.
  • #99Catch water in an empty tuna can to measure sprinkler output. One inch of water on one square foot of grass equals two-thirds of a gallon of water.
  • #100 Turn off the water while you shave and save up to 300 gallons a month.
  • #101 When you give your pet fresh water, don't throw the old water down the drain. Use it to water your trees or shrubs.
  • #102 If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don't throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
  • #103 To save water and time, consider washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
  • #104 While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
  • #105 When backflushing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
  • #106 For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
  • #107 Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent using the garbage disposal.
  • #108 When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
  • #109 Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.
  • #110 Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
  • #111 When you are washing your hands, don't let the water run while you lather.













Outdoor Tips to Conserve Water

  • #3Evaporative coolers require a seasonal maintenance checkup. For more efficient cooling, check your evaporative cooler annually.
Check your sprinkler system frequently and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
  • #6Avoid planting turf in areas that are hard to water such as steep inclines and isolated strips along sidewalks and driveways.
  • #7Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
  • #8Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
  • #9Plant during the spring or fall when the watering requirements are lower.
  • #11Check your water meter and bill to track your water usage.
  • #12Minimize evaporation by watering during the early morning hours, when temperatures are cooler and winds are lighter.
  • #14Use a layer of organic mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and save hundreds of gallons of water a year.
  • #15Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway or sidewalk and save 80 gallons of water every time.
  • #18Divide your watering cycle into shorter periods to reduce runoff and allow for better absorption every time you water.
  • #19We're more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks.
  • #20Periodically check your pool for leaks if you have an automatic refilling device.
  • #21Only water your lawn when needed. You can tell this by simply walking across your lawn. If you leave footprints, it's time to water.
  • #25Adjust your lawn mower to a higher setting. Longer grass shades root systems and holds soil moisture better than a closely clipped lawn.
  • #27Use the sprinkler for larger areas of grass. Water small patches by hand to avoid waste.
  • #30Use porous materials for walkways and patios to keep water in your yard and prevent wasteful runoff.
  • #31Direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees, or collect and use for your garden.
  • #33Water your summer lawns once every three days and your winter lawn once every five days.
  • #34Install a rain shut-off device on your automatic sprinklers to eliminate unnecessary watering.
Use drip irrigation for shrubs and trees to apply water directly to the roots where it's needed.
  • #38Reduce the amount of grass in your yard by planting shrubs, and ground cover with rock and granite mulching.
  • #41Remember to check your sprinkler system valves periodically for leaks and keep the heads in good shape.
  • #44Don't water your lawn on windy days. After all, sidewalks and driveways don't need water.
  • #45Water your plants deeply but less frequently to create healthier and stronger landscapes.
  • #46Make sure you know where your master water shut-off valve is located. This could save gallons of water and damage to your home if a pipe were to burst.
  • #47.When watering grass on steep slopes, use a soaker hose to prevent wasteful runoff.
  • #48.Group plants with the same watering needs together to get the most out of your watering time.
  • #49Remember to weed your lawn and garden regularly. Weeds compete with other plants for nutrients, light, and water.
  • #50While fertilizers promote plant growth, they also increase water consumption. Apply the minimum amount of fertilizer needed.
  • #51Avoid installing ornamental water features and fountains that spray water into the air. Trickling or cascading fountains lose less water to evaporation.
  • #52Use a commercial car wash that recycles water.
  • #53Don't buy recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
  • #55Buy a rain gauge to track how much rain or irrigation your yard receives. Check with your local water agency to see how much rain is needed to skip an irrigation cycle.
  • #57Teach your family how to shut off your automatic watering systems. Turn sprinklers off if the system is malfunctioning or when a storm is approaching.
  • #58Set a kitchen timer when watering your lawn or garden with a hose.
Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant for year-round landscape color and save up to 550 gallons each year.
  • #63Use a grease pencil to mark the water level of your pool at the skimmer. Check the mark 24 hours later. Your pool should lose no more than 1/4 inch each day.
  • #65Use a screwdriver as a soil probe to test soil moisture. If it goes in easily, don't water. Proper lawn watering can save thousands of gallons of water annually.
  • #66Avoid overseeding your lawn with winter grass. Once established, ryegrass needs water every three to five days, whereas dormant Bermuda grass needs water only once a month.
  • #68When the kids want to cool off, use the sprinkler in an area where your lawn needs it the most.
  • #69Make sure your swimming pools, fountains, and ponds are equipped with recirculating pumps.
  • #71Landscape with Xeriscape trees, plants and groundcovers. Call your local conservation office for more information about these water thrifty plants.
  • #72Winterize outdoor spigots when temps dip to 20 degrees F to prevent pipes from bursting or freezing.
  • #73Insulate hot water pipes so you don't have to run as much water to get hot water to the faucet.
  • #74Wash your car on the grass. This will water your lawn at the same time.
  • #76If you have an evaporative cooler, direct the water drain to a flowerbed, tree, or your lawn.
  • #78Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses.
  • #79Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car and save more than 100 gallons.
  • #84Leave lower branches on trees and shrubs and allow leaf litter to accumulate on top of the soil. This keeps the soil cooler and reduces evaporation.
  • #85Pick-up the phone and report significant water losses from broken pipes, open hydrants and errant sprinklers to the property owner or your water management district.
  • #86Bermuda grasses are dormant (brown) in the winter and will only require water once every three to four weeks or less if it rains.
  • #87Start a compost pile. Using compost when you plant adds water-holding organic matter to the soil.
  • #88Use sprinklers that throw big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller drops of water and mist often evaporate before they hit the ground.
  • #90More plants die from over-watering than from under-watering. Be sure only to water plants when necessary.
Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
  • #93Turn the water off while you shampoo and condition your hair and you can save more than 50 gallons a week.
  • #94Bathe your pets outdoors in an area in need of water.
  • #96Water only as rapidly as the soil can absorb the water.
  • #97Aerate your lawn. Punch holes in your lawn about six inches apart so water will reach the roots rather than run off the surface.
  • #99Place an empty tuna can on your lawn to catch and measure the water output of your sprinklers. For lawn watering advice, contact your local conservation office.
  • #105When backwashing your pool, consider using the water on your landscaping.
  • #106For hanging baskets, planters and pots, place ice cubes under the moss or dirt to give your plants a cool drink of water and help eliminate water overflow.
  • #107Throw trimmings and peelings from fruits and vegetables into your yard compost to prevent from using the garbage disposal.
  • #108When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don't throw it in the trash, dump it on a plant.
  • #109Have your plumber re-route your gray water to trees and gardens rather than letting it run into the sewer line. Check with your city codes, and if it isn't allowed in your area, start a movement to get that changed.

Saving Water in the Office

  • #1Post a hotline in bathrooms and kitchens to report leaks or water waste to facility managers or maintenance personnel.
  • #2Create a suggestion and incentives system at your organization to recognize water-saving ideas.
  • #3Include a water-saving tip in your employee newsletter featuring how much water can be saved with each action.
  • #4Implement a water management plan for your facility, then educate employees on good water habits through newsletters and posters.
  • #5Publish your organization’s monthly water use to show progress toward water-saving goals.
  • #6Invite your water utility conservation staff to your organization for Earth Day and other environmental events to help promote water savings.
  • #7Have a water audit done for your facility to find out the recommended water use for your operations, then make sure someone monitors your utility bills to gauge your monthly consumption.
  • #8Have maintenance personnel regularly check your facilities for leaks, drips and other water waste.
  • #9If you use processed water in your business or facility, look into water recycling and reuse.
  • #10Contact your water utility to see if rebates are available for purchasing water-efficient fixtures, equipment or for facility audits.
  • #11Consider and compare water use when purchasing things like ice makers, dishwashers, reverse osmosis units, coolers and cleaning equipment.
  • #12Appoint or volunteer to be a water conservation champion within your organization and create, implement and maintain your water conservation program.
  • #13Look for WaterSense®-labeled fixtures the next time you purchase or replace toilets, showerheads and faucets for greater efficiency and performance.
  • #14Become a proud WaterSense® partner and let all your customers know.
  • #15As part of the WaterSense® Fix-A-Leak Week in March, plan an employee campaign to look for leaks.
  • #16Determine how your on-site water is being used by installing sub-meters where feasible, then monitoring for savings.
  • #17Hire a GreenPlumber® to help reduce your water use with practices that use less energy, less water, and fewer chemicals.
  • #18Conduct a facility water use inventory for domestic plumbing (sinks, toilets, showers), heating and cooling (cooling towers, boiler blow-down), kitchen plumbing (dishwasher, ice machines), process water (cooling, rinsing, chemical dilution), water features (pools, spas, fountains) and landscape irrigation. Then identify water management goals.
  • #19Don’t forget hidden water-use costs, such as energy for pumping water, water heating and cooling, chemical treatment, water damage and sewer expenses.
  • #20Show your company’s dedication to water conservation by creating a written policy statement and by committing management, staff, time and other resources to the effort.
  • #21Shut off water to unused areas of your facility to eliminate waste from leaks or unmonitored use.
  • #22Create a goal of how much water your company can save and plan a celebration once that goal is met.
  • #23Ask employees for suggestions on saving water and give a prize for the best ideas. Incentivize it!
  • #24Write feature articles on your employee website that highlight water-saving ideas and successes.
  • #25Test your co-worker/employees knowledge on topics like xeriscape (water-efficient landscape that’s appropriate for your environment, WaterSense® (EPA’s new program) and HET toilets (high efficiency toilets) to see how water-wise they are.
  • #26Hire a WaterSense® irrigation partner to help with your landscape.
  • #27Saving water in your landscape adds up quickly, so send the person in charge of your landscape to an irrigation workshop.
  • #28Track the weather and water use in the landscape. Water use should decrease during rainy periods and increase during hot, dry periods.
  • #29Visit your local Water Conservation office’s website to get information on programs available to businesses.
  • #30Make sure your contract plumber and/or maintenance personnel knows about GreenPlumbers®
  • #31Ask your company to sponsor or volunteer at events that support water conservation and education.
  • #32Support Tap Into Quality and forgo those plastic water bottles to lower your carbon footprint.
  • #33Scrape dishes rather then rinse them before washing.
  • #34Use water-conserving icemakers.
  • #35A recent study that focused on business sustainability and environmental responsibility showed that 99% of business managers surveyed ranked water conservation as a “top five” priority over the next decade.
  • #36If your facility is cooled with cooling towers, have maintenance staff or facility managers maximize cycles of concentration by providing efficient water treatment.
  • #37Be sure your irrigation system is watering only the areas intended, with no water running onto walks, streets or down the gutter.
  • #38Using a hose and nozzle to clean sidewalks uses 8 to 12 gallons of water per minute. With a pressurized Waterbroom®, you will clean more efficiently and use as little as 2.8 gallons of water per minute
  • #39Make sure landscape irrigation systems are operating properly by inspecting regularly for leaks or broken sprinkler heads and adjusting pressures to the equipment specifications.
  • #40Make sure your landscape is getting the proper amount of irrigation water. Determine water needs, water deeply but infrequently and adjust your controller to the season.
  • #41Establish a monthly water budget for your landscape based on the water needs of your plants. Learn more from a WaterSense® certified irrigation auditor, your utility water conservation office, or from your local cooperative extension office.
  • #42Limit turf areas at your facility. Instead, landscape using.
  • #43Place decorative fountains on a timer and use only during work or daylight hours. Periodically check for leaks if you have automatic refilling devices.
  • #44Wash company vehicles at commercial car washers that recycle water.
  • #45Wash company vehicles as needed rather than on a schedule. Stretch out the time in between washes.
  • #46Consider turning your high-maintenance water feature/fountain into a low-maintenance art feature or planter.
  • #47When buying new appliances, consider those that offer cycle and load size adjustments. They are more water and energy efficient.
  • #48Upgrade older toilets with water-efficient models.
  • #49Make sure there are water-saving aerators on all of your faucets.
  • #50Install an instant water heater near your kitchen sink so you don’t have to run the water while it heats up. This also reduces energy costs.
  • #51Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and industrial uses.
  • #52When you have ice left in your cup from a take-out restaurant, don’t throw it in the trash. Pour it on a plant.

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