Water Conservation

According to the American Water Works Association, North American households use about 70 gallons of water per person every day indoors. The major factors contributing to that water use are toilets (20 gallons per person per day), clothes washers (15 gallons), showers (13 gallons), faucets(11 gallons) and leaks (10 gallons). Luckily for consumers, all of these factors can be reduced with a little elbow grease and planning. By installing water-efficient 1.6 gallon per flush toilets, consumers can save over 10 gallons of water every day. Households can save an additional 3 gallons every day by installing low-flow showerheads and faucet acerators , and an additional 5 gallons, on average, simply by fixing leaks around the house. Follow these helpful tips and show your kids how to be conservation-conscious. The environment and your wallet will thank you.

Clothes Washers

• Wait till you have a full load of laundry before running the machine to save both water and energy. If you can't wait for a full load, use the right water level to match the size of the load.
• When in the market for a new machine, consider a high efficiency model that will use an average of 30% less water and 40-50% less energy.

Dishwashers

• Only run your dishwasher when it is full to make the best use of water, energy and detergent. A full dishwasher is more efficient than washing the same load by hand.
• Cut down on the amount of rinsing you do before loading the dishwasher. Most modern dishwashers do an excellent job of cleaning dishes, pots and pans all by themselves.
• When purchasing a new appliance, look for one offering several different cycles. This will allow you to select more energy and water efficient cycles when heavy duty cleaning is not required.

Showers and Faucets

The third highest use of indoor water is bathing, and because most of us like to use warm water when we bathe, it's also the second highest use of energy in the home.
• Take a quick shower rather than a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
• Install a water-efficient showerhead with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute. (Replace an existing shower head if a one gallon bucketplaced under the flow takes less than 20 seconds to fill.)
• Install aerators on your kitchen and bathroom faucets to reduce indoor water use by as much as 4%.
• Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving and save more than 5 gallons per day.
• If you wash dishes by hand, rinse them in a sink partially filled with clean water instead of under running tap water.
• Instead of waiting for tap water to get cold enough for drinking, keep a bottle of water in the refrigerator. All told, consumers can save as much as $100 per year in water bills by making these simple household improvements. Likewise, fixing leaks also saves additional repair costs from water damage.

Composting is Easy!

Start composting now and your garden will be a hit in the Spring!

A compost pile can be set up in a corner of the yard with few supplies. Choose a level spot about 3- to 5-feet square near a water source and preferably out of direct sunlight. Clear the area of sod and grass. When building a composting bin, such as with chicken wire, scrap wood, or cinder blocks, be sure to leave enough space for air to reach the pile. One removable side makes it easier to tend the pile. Many foods can be composted, including vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags. In addition to leaves, grass, and yard clippings, vacuum cleaner lint, wool and cotton rags, sawdust, shredded newspaper, and fireplace ashes can be composted. DO NOT compost meats, dairy foods, or any fats, oil, or grease because they can attract pests. Start the pile with a 4-inch layer of leaves, loose soil, or other coarse yard trimmings. If you are going to compost food scraps (a slightly more involved process), you should mix them with yard

trimmings when adding them to the pile. Alfalfa meal or clean cat litter may be added to the pile to absorb odors. In dry weather, sprinkle water on the pile, but don't get it too soggy. Turn the pile every few weeks with a pitchfork to circulate air and distribute

moisture evenly. Don't be surprised by the heat of the pile or if you see worms, both of which are part of the decomposition process. Make sure children do not play in the composting pile or bin.

In most climates, the compost is done in 3 to 6 months when it becomes a dark crumbly material that is uniform in texture. Spread it in the garden or yard beds or under the shrubbery. The compost also can be used as potting soil.

Source: US EPA Office of Solid Waste

GOT H2O?

The human body is composed of 60 percent water and the human brain is approximately 75 percent water. Water plays numerous important roles in the human body's daily regiment.

It aids the transport of nutrients to cells, expedites the body's removal of waste products, keeps joints lubricated and improves kidney function. Any time the body's hydration level is too low, all of these functions run less efficiently, and prolonged dehydration can lead the body to stop running altogether. AWWA, along with health professionals, recommend adults drink eight glasses of water a day, and suggest adults increase their water consumption during times when the body loses moisture through perspiration due to fever, exercise or stress. An adult weighing 150 pounds should increase their water consumption from eight glasses to nine glasses after light activity, 10 after moderate activity and 12 after strenuous activity.

Source: American Water Works Association

How to Avoid Water Consumer Faux Pas

Waiting a week to fix a leak.

•Assume little leaks only waste a little water? You can lose up to 200 gallons of water a day from a leaking toilet. And a faucet can drip 604,800 drops while you are waiting.

Taking a shortcut and using the hot water tap when cooking.

•Lead can dissolve into hot water from lead pipes and solder. Cold water is better.Heat it on the stove when cooking.

Slipping used motor oil into a storm sewer or burying it in the trash.

•Hey slick, oil can leak into lakes, rivers, and wells. Just one pint can expand over an acre of water.
•Take your used oil to a recycling center.

Tossing toxics in the trash.

•Consider batteries a common throwaway? They contain lead and mercury. Some ordinary household cleaners
•have other poisons that contaminate water. Here's a tip, drop them off at a special collection site.

Using your garbage disposal all the time.

•Want to show good taste after a meal? Learn to compost. Your disposal uses one gallon of water a minute. Many foods can be composted instead, making a great soil conditioner. These foods include vegetable trimmings, egg shells, coffee grounds with filters, and tea bags.

Source: US EPA Office of Water

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