Use Water Responsibly

 

Water is ours to use, but not to waste. Being water wise is mostly a matter of common sense. It's simply getting into a routine of checking your household for leaks and paying attention to how you use water.

 

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KNOW HOW MUCH WATER YOU USE  

Routine activities can use more than you think. Where can YOU cut back your usage?  

 

ACTIVITY                               GALLONS USED

Shower                                     20-50 (5-10 per minute)

Tub Bath                                  36 (full tub)

Toilet Flush                               5 - 7

Tooth Brushing                         2 (tap running)

Hand Washing                          2 (tap running)

Shaving                                    3 - 5 (tap running)

Dish Washing                           20 (tap running)

Automatic Dishwasher              10-15 (full cycle)

Clothes Washer                        30 - 60 (full cycle)

Outdoor Watering                     5 - 10 (per minute)

 

AVOID WATER WASTE

Little leaks add up. They can cost you money and waste precious water. That's why it's important to do a regular household check and repair leaks before they grow progressively worse.

1/32" Leak Wastes 25 Gallons in 24 Hours

1/18" Stream Wastes 100 Gallons in 24 Hours

1/8" Stream Wastes 400 Gallons in 24 Hours

 

CHECK TOILETS

The toilet is a major cause of water waste.It can waste up to 2,500 gallons in one day. Make sure the mechanisms are working properly. Take the lid off the flush tank and check to make sure the water level is below the overflow pipe. Gently bend the float arm to adjust the water level if necessary.

Check for toilet leaks by placing a little food coloring in the toilet tank. Wait five minutes without flushing. If the color begins to appear in the bowl, you have a leak that should be repaired immediately.

 

CHECK FAUCETS

Check all faucets and replace washers if they are worn. A good household do-it-yourself book will give you directions.

 

CHECK HOT WATER TANK AND APPLIANCES

Check the pressure relief valve on your hot water tank to make sure it doesn't stick. Also check for leaks in washers, ice makers, humidifiers, and dishwashers.

 

CHECK OUTSIDE WATER TAPS

Make sure outside taps are turned off when not in use. Don't depend on the hose nozzle - use the faucet.

 

CHECK HOUSELINES

If you have thoroughly checked the building and found no water waste, your leak may be in the water line that runs from the meter to the house. These leaks often go undetected because the water they waste soaks into the ground.

 

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HOW TO CHECK FOR LEAKS

To check for a leak between your house and the meter box you should:

    1. Take a reading from your meter.
    2. Do not use any water for at least 30 minutes.
    3. Take another reading from your meter.
    4. If the reading has changed, then you have a leak.