$ Money Saving Water Tips $
Inside The Home
- Turn the faucet off while brushing your teeth or shaving.
- Use aerators on all faucets.
- Keep a container of drinking water in refrigerator instead of running water.
- Avoid washing dishes under a running faucet, rinse them in a pan instead.
- Wash only full loads in the automatic dishwasher and use the shortest cycle.
- Turn off the dishwasher after the last rinse cycle and let the dishes air dry.
- Periodically check all plumbing, faucets, shower heads, toilets, pressure relief valves (water heater), water softener (regenerating type) for leaks and/or plumbing problems.
- Install low-flow shower heads which can reduce water use by half.
- Take shorter showers. A five minute shower can mean a savings of 20 to 40 gallons of water.
- When filling up the bathtub, do not run water before plugging it. Cold water will mix quickly with hot water to give you the temperature you want.
- Wash only full loads and use the shortest cycles in washing machines to save water and energy.
- When replacing appliances, always look for water-efficient models.
- When leaving on vacation, shut-off the main water valve outside. This could help you avoid expensive property damage if you have an undetected leak. It will also save you from an expensive water bill.
Outside The Home
- Water in the early morning or late evening.
- If your soil is rich in clay, like many homes in the Truckee Meadows, set your sprinklers for shorter durations and more frequent intervals to prevent run-off.
- Water slowly to reduce run-off and to allow deep penetration.
- Don't leave sprinklers or hoses running unattended. Asphalt and concrete won't grow, no matter how much you water it. Make sure that water is not running into sidewalks and gutters. Thousands of gallons of water can pour out in a very short time.
- Consider a water saving drip irrigation system that provides a slow, steady supply of water to the garden, trees and shrubs.
- Consider xeriscaping all or part of your yard. Xeriscape, ofter referred to as "zero-scape" makes the best use of native landscaping with plants and grasses that require small amounts of water.
- Remove water-loving weeds and cultivate soil often.
- For gardens, make small irrigation ditches along rows of plants.
- Put mulch layers around trees and shrubs to hold moisture.
- Keep grass longer in warmer weather, which provides shade for soil and root system and reduces water loss.
- Monitor your timers on a regular basis and periodically check irrigation lines for leaks.
- Switching from a 5/8 inch hose to 1/2 inch can save about 400 gallons an hour and it is more than adequate for watering.
- Instead of using your hose, sweep off sidewalks, driveways and patios.
- Use a hose nozzle and a bucket when washing your car.