Re: Water Conservation Suggestions

Governor Perdue’s executive order directs agencies to develop plans to conserve water resources and save taxpayer dollars by using less water and using water more wisely. The order bans washing state vehicles and fleet vehicles, power washing state facilities, running sprinklers on lawns and plants or installing new landscaping at state facilities. It also directs us to have facilities inspected for plumbing leaks and to collect and use condensation when possible.

General water conservation tips include:
Kitchen

1. Fill your dishwasher up before using it.
2. When you clean fruits and vegetables, collect the water to use to water houseplants.
3. Use garbage disposals sparingly. Compost leftover fruit and vegetables.
4. Refrigerate water instead of letting faucets flow until water runs cold.
5. Defrost sensibly – plan ahead to defrost foods overnight in the refrigerator. Don’t use running water. Use the microwave or put wrapped food in a bowl of cold water.
6. Prepare food efficiently by using a vegetable brush to speed cleaning and by spraying water in short bursts.
7. Keep a bucket in kitchen to collect water you would usually pour down the drain and use it to water plants.

Bathroom

1. Don’t let the water run when brushing teeth. Use a glass for rinsing.
2. Fix leaking toilets and faucets.
3. Think before you flush – every flush you can eliminate can save between 2 and 7 gallons of water.
4. Take showers instead of baths.
5. Shorten showers to five minutes … take “Navy” showers: Rinse, turn water off, soap up, turn water on and rinse again.
6. If you have an old toilet, consider replacing it with a low-flow, water-conserving model.
7. Make sure toilets aren’t running when they shouldn’t be. If they are, replace flapper mechanisms.
8. Keep a bucket in the shower to collect water for watering plants.

Laundry

1. Make sure washing machine is full before turning it on.
2. Consider replacing top loader washers with more efficient front-loading models.

In General

• Don’t send water down the drain that can be used for something else, like watering plants or cleaning
• Turn off lights when you aren’t in the room and cut the air conditioner back when you aren’t at home. Producing energy takes large volumes of water, so reducing energy demands reduces water usage … and cutting back your energy use saves money on your power bill.
• Educate and encourage friends, family, neighbors and schools to practice water conservation.
• Comply with your county’s outdoor water use policies.