Why save water?
Water saved is money saved because you’ll pay less water and sewer taxes. As an added bonus, when you use less hot water, your fuel bills go down as well. Even if you are on well water, saving water reduces electric costs of pump operation and also reduces amount of waste going to the septic tank.
- Clean drinking water is a vanishing resource.
- Water saved is money saved.
- Saving water reduces waste loads.
Used water can often be recycled to water thirsty plants and shrubs. (Please contact local health officials for recommendations.)
How much water are we using?
The average American uses 60 gallons of water in the house each day. That doesn’t include car washing, lawn watering and other outdoor uses. Flushing, bathing and laundering are the largest in-house uses.
Household faucet: 3-5 gallons per minute
Shower: 5-10 gallons per minute
Bathtub: 50 gallons if full
Toilet flushing: 5-7 gallons
Dishwasher: 15-25 gallons
Washing machine: 35 gallons
Lawn watering: 35 gallons per ½ acre
Dripping faucet: 1,000 or more gallons per year
Other Water Conservation Measures
Appliances: Check connecting faucets and hoses for leaks. Turn off connecting faucets when not is use to preserve equipment and avoid leaks.
Water pipes: Inspect regularly for pinhole leaks or leaks in connections. A pinhole leak can waste up to 170 gallons of water a day.
Please do not leave water running in a sink. Fill the sink then use the stopper or fill a container with water.
Water Saving Devices
A number of inexpensive devices are now available that will enable you to save even more water and energy. For more information, please contact your plumber or hardware store or your local government environmental office.
