Ways to save water

by Joanne Henning Tedesco — 

Imagine the increase in our water reservoirs if we took the time to implement even a few of these conservation tips. In a year, we could save thousands of gallons per household.

The Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona is filled with lush trees, shrubs and wildflowers, even though our annual rainfall is often less than 10 inches. This is because the desert and its plants use water wisely. Those of us who live here must learn to use water wisely, too.

The following are water conservation methods that work, no matter where you live:

• Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car. This will save more than 100 gallons.
• Adjust your watering schedule to the season. Water your summer lawn every third day and your winter lawn every fifth day.
• Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk. Save as much as 80 gallons of water every time.
• Choose low-water-use plants. Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, you could save as many as 550 gallons each year.
• Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full. You could save 1,000 gallons or more per month.
• Listen for dripping faucets and toilets that flush themselves. Fixing a leak can save 500 gallons a month.
• Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. This small action will save four gallons a minute, or 200 gallons each week for a family of four.
• Install a low-flow showerhead. It can save 500 gallons a week.
• Fix that leaky faucet. You will save 140 gallons a week.
• Pour some food coloring into your toilet tank. If it seeps into the bowl, you have a leak. Fixing it can save more than 600 gallons a month.
• Keep your shower shorter than five minutes. You’ll save as many as 1,000 gallons a month.
• Drop that tissue in the trash instead of flushing it. This can save several gallons each time.

Imagine the increase in our water reservoirs if we took the time to implement even a few of these conservation tips. In a year, we could save thousands of gallons per household.

Reference: City of Scottsdale Water Conservation

Joanne Henning Tedesco is editor of AzNetNews.