WATER CONSERVATION

 

 

Did you know that saving water also serves energy?

 

It takes a whole lot of energy just to get water from its source to your home and office.  In fact, moving water is the greatest single use of energy in the State.  The current energy crisis makes it all the more important that we work together now to save both water and energy.

 

TIPS TO SAVE WATER AND ENERGY AT HOME:

 

  USE APPLIANCES AFTER 7:00 P.M.

Use large appliances, such as washing machines and dishwashers, after peak hours.  Make sure your dishwasher or clothes washer is full before running a load.  

 

  SAVE WATER OUTDOORS

Lower the amount of water you use when you wash the car by turning off the hose, using a bucket for the wash, and doing a quick rinse.  Save electricity and water by watering your garden or lawn during the nighttime or early morning hours.  Also, if you use automated sprinklers and drip systems, set them to accommodate the weather, and consider plants that do not require lots of water.

 

   TURN OFF YOUR TAP

Hot water uses lots of energy.  Take a shower instead of a bath (a bath uses about 42 gallons of water, while a 5-minute shower uses only about 16 gallons.)  Turning off the tap when you shave saves you up to 12 gallons.  Turning off the tap when you brush your teeth saves up to 5 gallons of water.

 

  REPAIR LEAKY TOILETS AND FAUCETS

In one year, a leaky toilet wastes over 22,000 gallons of water.  A leak in the sink of just a single drop per second wastes and additional 2,400 gallons each year.  Repairing leaks is an easy way to save thousands of gallons of water and lower your water bill.

 

  INSTALL WATER-EFFICIENT FIXTURES

You save an average of $130 per year by installing a water-efficient toilet.  Installing a water-efficient showerhead can save you even more.

 

  USE ONE REFRIGERATOR INSTEAD OF TWO

Save $150 a year just by unplugging your second refrigerator and recycling it.

 

  REPLACE YOUR OLD APPLIANCES

New ENERGY STAR ® labeled appliances use 50% less energy and 40% less water than standard models.  Efficient clothes washers alone use less than half the energy of older models and save 20-30 gallons of water per load.    Check your local stores or call your energy or water utilities for great rebates and savings when you buy a newer model.