The average household uses approximately 260 gallons of water per day. A significant amount of that use occurs in the kitchen and bathroom. Lengthy showers, older appliances and fixtures, and overuse of the water tap are just a few of the water wasting activities that occur in these areas of the home.
By implementing simple and easy water-saving measures (listed below), we can achieve the goal of using less water, yet still accomplish the same task.
Helpful Suggestions for Water Efficiency and Savings Measures:
· Install low flow showerheads and low flow faucet aerators.
· Take shorter showers / turn off the water while soaping up.
· Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and/or shaving.
· Don’t use the toilet as a waste basket.
· Use your dishwasher and clothes washer for only full loads.
· Minimize use of garbage disposal – scrape table scraps into garbage can.
· Wash fruits and veggies in a bowl of warm water rather than letting water run.
· Reuse the water from steamed vegetables and/or melted ice cubes to water outdoor plants.
· Store a bottle of drinking water in the fridge.
· Replace older (less efficient) appliances with new water sense labeled products (contact the City for rebate opportunities).
· Schedule a water survey with City staff to determine recommended water use for your household.
The suggestions listed above are just a few easy, yet effective methods for saving water at home. Even small measures can make a big impact.
Using water efficiently will help ensure reliable water supplies today and for future generations. Please do your part to be a wiser water user. And parents, be sure to get children and family members involved. If we all work together, we can make a difference.
For more information on water conservation ideas, visit the City of Turlock’s website at www.cityofturlock.org/gogreen and click on the “water conservation” tab on the right panel, or call the Municipal Services Department at 668-5590.
Water Conservation Tip #6
GARDEN HOSES AND AUTOMATIC SHUT-OFF VALVES
A standard garden hose can use 10 gallons per minute or more. This means you can easily use 100 gallons of water with only a 10 minute car or pavement wash. Attach an automatic shut off spray nozzle to your hose, so that water doesn’t run freely when you stop watering or set the hose down.
