{water usage}

Winter Water Conservation Tips

• Winterize outdoor spigots to avoid pipes bursting from freezing.
• Insulate hot water pipes to reduce the amount of water which must be run to get hot water to the faucet.
• Locate the master water shut off valve in your home, and mark it for quick identification. If a water pipe were to burst, it could cause flooding and property damage, not to mention immense water waste, if the valve were left open.
• Avoid using the toilet as a trash can for facial tissues, etc.

General Water Conservation Tips

• Take shorter showers and turn off the shower while soaping.
• Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Run dish washers and clothes washing machines only when full and use the proper water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
• Repair leaking faucets and toilets (a leaking toilet can waste 200 gallons a day).
• Install low flow aerators and shower heads.
• Refrigerate a bottle of drinking water instead of letting a faucet flow until the water is cold enough to drink.
• Use a dishpan or plug the sink when rinsing fruits and vegetables. This water can then be used to water plants.
• Use a dishpan or plug the sink for washing and rinsing dishes.
• Add your garbage to the trash instead of putting it down the garbage disposal. Disposals use a great deal of water and add unnecessary solids to the sewer or septic system. This also may be a good time to start composting!

Summer Water Conservation Tips

• Only water lawn and garden early in the morning.
• Do not water lawn and garden on windy days.
• Wash cars with a pail of soapy water.  Use a hose with a trigger nozzle to rinse.
• Wash cars on the grass. This will water the lawn at the same time.
• Cover an outdoor pool when not in use. Clean the pool filter regularly. Do not discharge pool water to streams or storm sewers. Spread filter backwash and pool water on grassy areas.
• Use a broom to sweep driveways and sidewalks rather than washing them down with a hose.

Water Conservation and Related Web Sites

• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
• Delaware River Basin Commission
• National Drought Mitigation Center
• Pennsylvania U.S. Geological Survey