Conservation/Environment Water Conservation A to Z

Add a few drops of food coloring to the toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, you have a leak.

Before you turn on the water in the bathtub, put in a stopper. Adjust the temperature after the water is hot.

Check faucets and pipes for leaks. Even a small drip can waste 20 gallons a day.

Dishwashers are more efficient when full.

Extra flushes waste water and money. Don’t use your toilet as an ashtray or wastebasket.

Find the main water shutoff valve. You may need it in an emergency.

Go to the Water Use it Wisely Web site to learn more about water conservation.

Hazardous materials such as oil, paint and insecticides go in special dumps, not down the drain.

Install aerators with flow restrictors on all faucets.

Join your neighbors in practicing water conservation.

Keep a jug of cold water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap to get cold water.

Launder your clothes in the least amount of water possible.

Make an effort to tells friends about water conservation.

Nutrient rich water is in the fishtank. When you change the water, give it to the plants.

Order water in a restaurant only if you plan to drink it.

Protect exposed pipes and faucets from freezing in the winter.

Quit wasting water.

Replace old showerheads with new low-flow heads.

Shorten your showers to 5 minutes.

Two-thirds of indoor water use is in the bathroom.

Use faucets at less than full pressure.

Vegetables should be rinsed in a pan of water or stoppered sink, not running water.

While brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet.

X-out extravagant water-use habits.

You can save about 5 gallons of water a day by stoppering the sink when you shave, rather than running the tap.

Zero in on new products that use less water and still provide quality, service and comfort.