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Water Conservation Tips
Water is an essential part of life and a precious environmental
resource. It should not be taken for granted. Wasting water not
only impacts the environment, but it also impacts your wallet.
The wastewater charge shown on your KUB bill is determined by
the amount of water you use. The less water you use, the less
your charge for water and wastewater will be. Below are some
simple tips to help you get started conserving water. Try one each
day until conservation becomes a habit. And remember, water
conservation is more than just a drop in the bucket.
Indoors
- Make sure your home is leak free. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour
period when no water is being used. If the reading on the meter is different,
you have a leak.
- Check faucets for leaks and fix leaky ones by replacing washers.
- Faucets that drip at a rate of one drop per second cause a loss of 2700 gallons of water
per year.
- Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully
loaded. Set the water level for the size load you are washing.
- Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the tap water run while you
are waiting for cool water to flow.
- Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight
in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Insulate your water pipes. You’ll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while
it heats up.
- Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle filled with water to cut
down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Make sure the device doesn’t interfere
with the operating parts.
- Install water-softening systems only when necessary. KUB water generally does not
need softeners added.
- Take a quick shower instead of a bath and save an average of 20 gallons of water.
- Turn off the water when brushing your teeth or shaving and save more than 5 gallons per day.
Outdoors
- Water your lawn only every third day, and adjust sprinklers so only the lawn is watered.
- Always run water during a cool time of day, such as morning.
- Adjust your irrigation system to accommodate changes in seasonal water demand.
- Raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches. Closely cut grass makes the
roots work harder, requiring more water.
- Check with your local nursery for the best native or low-water-use trees, shrubs, and
plants when landscaping.
- Use mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and promote plant growth. Water
retaining basins also allow water to be concentrated around the flowers.
- Do not leave sprinklers or hoses on while absent. A garden hose can pour out
600 gallons of water, or more, in only a few hours. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself
to turn the water off.
- Prevent the development of leaks by shutting off and draining water lines to outside spigots in the
winter.
- Cover your spa or pool to reduce evaporation. An average size pool left uncovered
can lose as much as 1000 gallons of water per month. Also, check your spa or pool for
leaks and have them repaired promptly.
- Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. This increases the need for water and is a source
of water pollution.
- Replace ornamental water features with birdbaths.
Please visit our Web site, www.kub.org, for
additional tips and information. See our water calculator to analyze your water usage and find ways to save money.
You will need a copy of your bill to enter your cost. You may analyze both current and past bills.
Every time you turn on a faucet, remember to use water conservatively. You will not only help
keep our environment healthy, but you will also save money on your utility bill.
Did you know?
- Toilets can account for almost 30 percent of all indoor
water use—more than any other fixture or appliance.
- A full dishwasher is more water efficient than washing the same load by hand.
- Energy efficient appliances are usually water efficient too.
ENERGY STAR® products are a perfect example of energy and water efficient appliances.
Check your local home and appliance stores for Energy Star products.
Other Sources of Information
http://www.awwa.org/advocacy/learn/conserve/
http://www.earth911.org
http://www.monolake.org/socalwater/wctips.htm
http://www.wateruseitwisely.com
| If you have additional feedback, please contact us as follows: |
| E-mail your comments: |
PACE10@kub.org |
| Mail: |
KUB
Attn: PACE 10 - Mailstop GS03
P.O. Box 59017
Knoxville, TN 37950-9017 |
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